MEN’S HEALTH MONTH: Guys, Getting Help Is a Sign of Strength

Depression and suicide are ranked as a leading cause of death among men, yet men often resist seeking help for depression, anxiety, and other problems that can lead to feelings of hopelessness that often precede suicidal thoughts.

Unfortunately, men are taught from an early age to deny their feelings. For example:

  • It’s nothing. In fact, depression, anxiety, etc., are real, treatable illnesses with physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, headaches, and stomach issues.
  • I’m fine. Men are often taught that they must be independent, tough, and “emotionally resistant”, and as a result tend to ignore or downplay any emotional overload they experience.
  • It’s difficult to express feelings. Males are often encouraged not to show emotion or to seek comfort when they’re feeling hurt, which makes it difficult for them to explain how they feel.
  • I don’t want to ask for help. Overwhelmingly, men feel a need to be strong and will suffer in silence rather than risk appearing weak by asking for help.

However, issues like depression and anxiety don’t go away if you ignore them. In fact, symptoms will likely continue or get worse, and impact relationships, work, and health.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Often, just a few sessions with a therapist can help you identify strategies to get your head back in the game.

Your benefits make it easy and are confidential and convenient. Make a virtual appointment online and then talk to a professional from the privacy of your own home—at no cost to you.

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YOUR BENEFITS TRAVEL WITH YOU: Get Care Wherever You Are

Whether you’re taking a vacation or traveling on business, your Health Plan has you covered. Here’s how to get the best benefit coverage.

  • Have a virtual visit for prescription refills, minor illnesses, allergies, etc. Use your medical plan’s (Cigna or Kaiser Permanente) virtual care program or schedule a telehealth visit with your regular doctor.
  • Choose an in-person doctor visit for exams that need a hands-on approach, like checking a sprained ankle or listening to your lungs. If possible, choose a provider in your network to avoid out-of-network penalties. To find one, search your medical plan’s app or website or call the number on the back of your Health Plan ID card.
  • In a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Then, call the number on your Health Plan ID card within 24 hours.

Get to know The Standard’s Travel Assistance program (click on flyer below), which can help you if unforeseen events occur—such as theft, lost items, and medical emergencies—when you travel more than 100 miles from home.

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GOT BENEFIT QUESTIONS? Get Answers

Even during summer vacation, it’s easy to get answers online: our short video shows you how. Just remember 1-2-3:
  1. To use your benefits, go to your plan carrier’s website. Register for a secure personal account with your carrier. Search for a provider, get benefit coverage details, see health information, and more. Cigna participants may also view claims and past Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for medical plan services received.
  2. For general information about your Trust benefits, go to sdtrust.com. Learn how you can update benefits midyear, get forms, view your benefit handbook, and much more.
  3. If you need your personal benefits information, log in to your account at selfservice.pps.net (Substitute Teachers and Early Retirees: Go to edge.zenith-american.com.) Log in with your secure password and you’ll be able to view your eligibility, see the benefits you are enrolled in, and review your dependents.

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