crisis-support – Costco Benefits

Video: Suicidal doesn’t always look suicidal

Depression isn’t always obvious. While it can make people feel sad and hopeless, it may not show on the outside. This video from the Campaign Against Living Miserably shows us that, sometimes, the people who need the most help don’t act the way we’d expect.

Show transcript

Real talk from real people who contemplated suicide

Depression and thoughts of suicide are like tunnel vision — they can make any light or hope seem small and impossibly far away. Supportiv collected stories from people who changed their minds about suicide. Even Olympian Michael Phelps has admitted to wanting to die by suicide.

“I remember going to treatment my very first day. I was shaking, shaking because I was nervous. I said to myself so many times, ‘Why didn’t I do this 10 years ago?’ But, I wasn’t ready. I am extremely thankful that I did not take my life.” — Michael Phelps

All these stories have one thing in common: They’re so glad that they’re still here. See below for some examples from the article.

There’s always hope — and help

Remind someone that you’re a safe person to turn to or get help if you need it. There are free, anonymous, in-the-moment support options such as Resources for Living^®. Call 833-721-2320 for help for you and your family if needed.

If you’re thinking about suicide or think someone might be at risk, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Hotline for immediate support, 24/7.

Looking for people who understand what you’re going through? Supportiv offers anonymous peer-to-peer group chats. All conversations are moderated and connect you with people who understand what you’re going through.

And don’t forget — you’re not alone. There are resources and people who can help.

2 MIN READ

JULY 2025

Find low- or no-cost therapy

Thinking about therapy but worried about the cost? Taking care of your mental and emotional health doesn’t have to cost you anything. Your Costco benefits include flexible, 24/7, low- or no-cost options that provide in-the-moment mental health or crisis support or fit into a busy schedule. They can help you with relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, loss of a loved one and more.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Top 3 myths about therapy

Myth #1: It’s too expensive.

Fact: Mainland, Puerto Rico and Hawaii employees have access to free mental health programs through Resources for Living^® (RFL^®), your Employee Assistance Program. Additional care options — such as ongoing or longer-term therapy or psychiatry — are available through your Costco medical plan for a low copay.

Myth #2: It’s too hard to find the right fit.

Fact: An RFL Care Partner can help you find a therapist who fits your needs. They’ll do the work to find in-network providers who are accepting new patients, then follow up in 3–5 days with options. And you can always ask for more recommendations. You get 6 free counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year. All employees, family members and their dependent children up to age 26 can use RFL.

Mainland and Hawaii employees can also use the Alma virtual mental health platform to find a therapist based on specialty, language and more. You can schedule 15-minute consultations with your recommended providers. That way, you can get a feel for whether they’re right for you. These consultations don’t count toward your free counseling sessions. They begin once you choose a provider.

AbleTo offers free 8-week programs designed to fit your needs and is available to mainland and Hawaii employees age 18+. They can help address specific concerns. For example, ways of thinking that trigger anxiety and panic attacks. A program might help you learn how to recognize these triggers and manage your feelings.

Do you have children under 18 you think could use extra emotional support? Virtual care can be a good option for those who feel more comfortable opening up to someone from the comfort of their home. Mainland employees and kids can use Telemynd for virtual therapy or psychiatry. Talkiatry also offers virtual psychiatry for kids age 5+ and is available in most states. Your copay applies to both of these programs.

Myth #3: It’s too hard to find the time.

Fact: Get help that works for your schedule — or even right away. You can also get 24/7 in-the-moment mental health support from RFL.

Talkspace lets you send messages to your therapist, 24/7. A week of messaging counts as one session. If you prefer support that moves at your own pace, Mind Companion Self-care offers interactive options that include videos, exercises and more in a self-guided digital app.

Another resource that’s available 24/7 is Supportiv. Chat anonymously with peers who get what you’re going through, for as long as you like. Just search a few words at Supportiv.com/Costco to find a group of up to 5 plus a trained moderator.

Need immediate help? You can call or text 988 for yourself or someone else 24/7 to speak with someone from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

2 MIN WATCH

Video: Suicidal doesn’t always look suicidal