The 12 Days of Gratitude Challenge has ended, but you can go for gratefulness anytime!

Gratitude is about taking time to recognize, acknowledge, and appreciate the goodness in life – no matter how big or how small. Download the challenge guide here and follow along with the calendar on page 2 to give yourself the gift of gratitude.

Some days, our bodies are healthier than others – and the same is true for our minds. Our mental health can change over time, especially when life feels overwhelming. 

Poor mental health can affect your thoughts, feelings, moods or behaviors. If you’ve experienced mental health problems, you’re not alone: 1 in 5 New Yorkers are affected in a given year.

Learn more in the video below:

For more information:

• Read more about common mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and substance misuse from the Thrive NYC Learning Center.
• Find tips to help you stay mentally healthy

The Health Department offers free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for City employees and the general public on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges or crises. Learn more or sign up for a training here.

Everyone experiences stress at times - it’s a natural reaction to the demands of life.

Learning how to cope with stress can help you keep your mind and body healthy.

Find out more about stress and get tips to help you manage it here.

Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say to someone who is struggling with their mental health. However, with 1 in 5 New Yorkers affected by a mental health disorder each year, it’s important to know how to have a conversation about mental health to support our family members, friends, co-workers, and community members who may be dealing with mental health issues.

Here are some helpful things to say to someone who may be dealing with a mental health issue:

• “It is hard for me to understand exactly what you are going through, but I can see that it’s distressing for you.”
• “Something seems to be bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?”
• “I would like to help you. Can you tell me what might be helpful?”
• "If you don’t feel comfortable talking with me, I know of other resources that might be of help.”

Helpful things to consider when starting a conversation about mental health:

• Don’t dismiss negative feelings or blame the person.
• There are many reasons why someone may be reluctant to discuss their mental health issues, even if they want help, such as shame, guilt, or fear.
• Invite the person to join you in an activity, such as talking a walk or getting coffee/tea – but don’t take it personally if they turn you down.
• Express your concern and willingness to listen and learn what they think may help.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement, and be patient.
• Encourage the person to find and stick with treatment.
• Be prepared to offer information on where to get help.

If you or someone you know may be affected by a mental health problem, help is available:

The New York City Employee Assistance Program (NYC EAP) offers free and confidential resources, support, and referrals to employees and their family members.

EAP can also help you navigate health insurance coverage and identify appropriate mental health care and providers for their needs.

EAP’s services are completely confidential and will not affect your job status. Your first visit to the EAP will be covered as an excused absence in CityTime.

You can reach the EAP at 212-306-7660 or at eap@olr.nyc.gov.

NYC Well counselors are available to help 24/7/365:

• Call 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355)
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• Text WELL to 65173.
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• Visit nyc.gov/nycwell to chat online.

 

 

Your regular health care provider can also offer information and help. To find a provider in your network call the number on the back of your health insurance card or visit the Health Benefits Program to find your health plan website.

 

If someone is in immediate danger of harming him or herself, or someone else, call 911.

All health plans offered through the City provide extensive mental health and substance misuse coverage with very modest copays.  

The table below details the in-network coverage for the no-cost plans selected by the majority of active City employees:

Need help finding a provider?

• EmblemHealth members can visit BeaconHealth to find in-network providers for mental health or substance misuse.  Go to EmblemHealth and select your plan from the Locate a Doctor, Hospital or Other Health Care Service. Select Mental Health and Substance Abuse under Type of Provider to be directed to BeaconHealth.
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• Employees with other health insurance coverage should contact their health plan.
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• Your regular health care provider can also offer information and help. To find a provider in your network call the number on the back of your health insurance card or visit the Health Benefits Program to find your health plan website.
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• The New York City Employee Assistance Program (NYC EAP) can also help employees and their family members identify and choose the best mental health care and providers for their needs. You can reach the EAP at 212-306-7660 or by email at eap@olr.nyc.gov.