May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At AFSPA, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Recent policy changes have left many of the federal workforce without jobs or fearful that they will not have one soon. Some federal employees have received return-to-office mandates after working remotely for years. Returning to the office can be a difficult change. The uncertainty that hangs over federal employees can accelerate burnout and heavily affect mental health.

Coping Mechanisms

Due to layoffs, organizational shifts, and return to office mandates, federal workers may be experiencing feelings of anger, sadness, frustration, anxiety, and loss, to name a few.

If you’re struggling with returning to the office, here are some tips to help with the transition.

• Use noise-cancelling headphones to help focus.
• Take a lap around the office when you need a break.
• Use your lunch break to eat outside instead of staying in the office.
• Try meditating or breathing exercises if you become overwhelmed.
• Listen to podcasts or albums during your commute to work.

Check out this article from the American Psychological Association for more tips on returning to the office.

If you’re feeling anxious about work, try some of these grounding techniques to bring you back to the moment.

• 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
• Use an anchoring statement: State facts to ground yourself. “My name is… I am x years old…It is sunny outside… I am wearing a white shirt and blue jeans…”
• Picture your favorite place in great detail.
• Count backwards from 100.

How AFSPA Can Help

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) covers one mental wellness screening or assessment per person, per calendar year. Members enrolled in the FSBP can enroll in the following programs:

myStrength™ is a program that provides you with evidence-based resources to help overcome obstacles of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder while improving overall well-being through a personalized, evidence-based internet-enabled program.

• If you would like to enroll in the program, visit mystrength.com, select “Sign-up,” enter the access code “FSBP” and complete the myStrength™ sign-up process with a brief Wellness Assessment and personal profile.

AbleTo is a web-based video conferencing personalized 8-week treatment support program designed to address the unique emotional and behavioral health needs of individuals learning to live with conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, or life events such as losing a loved one or having a baby. You will work with the same therapist and coach each week to set reasonable goals toward healthier lifestyle changes.

• If you feel you would benefit from this program, would like more information, or would like to enroll in this program please call 866-287-1802or visit AbleTo’s website at AbleTo.com/enroll. This program is available to members in the 50 United States.

Digital Coach Programs offers support for stress management, depression management, sleep improvement, and more. Programs are prioritized based on a member’s health risk assessment to help create a personalized plan for successful behavior change. Members can engage and participate through personalized messaging with tools and resources to help track their progress and stay on the path to wellness.

• To sign up: Log on or register for Aetna’s Secure Member Website. Look for the “Health and Wellness” icon, select “Discover a Healthier You” and proceed.
  • *Completion of the digital coaching program can earn you up to $150 in Healthy Action Incentives in FSBP‘s Simple Steps to Living Well Together Program. Reach level 3 to earn $75 and level 4 to earn an additional $75.

Lifestyle and Condition Health Coaching program offers group or personal health coaching session to work towards your wellness goals.

• To sign up: Log on or register for Aetna’s Secure Member Website. Look for the “Health and Wellness” icon, select “Discover a Healthier You” and proceed.
  • *Completion of this program can earn you up to $150 in Healthy Action Incentives inFSBP‘s Simple Steps to Living Well Together Program.

Behavioral Health Program

The Behavioral Health Program through the Care Management (CM) Programs provides resources and support to help you address behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, domestic violence, and more. Our team can work with you to connect you with resources such as a clinical social worker, psychologist, or other behavioral health professionals to obtain the right treatment. CM Programs offer one-on-one support from a nurse or social worker who serves as a trusted resource for you and your family. To begin, call 800-593-2354.

Telehealth Services are offered stateside and overseas.

• Telehealth consultations are available to members in the 50 United States through Teladoc®. U.S. board-certified physicians and pediatricians are available 24/7 for a consultation by phone, video, or the Teladoc® mobile app. You can also see a behavioral health provider for depression, anxiety, and stress.
  • To register for Teladoc® visit teladoc.com/aetnaor call 855-Teladoc (855-835-2362) for more information.
• For members with an overseas address* (such as APO, DPO, Embassy and Consulate addresses), telehealth consultations are available for Mental Health Support through Lyra Health.
  • Access telehealth behavioral health services 24/7/365 by web or phone (1-877-505-7147) for conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress. A provider also may give referrals when appropriate.
  • To sign up: Download Lyra Health mobile app in the App or Google Play Store or visit https://lyrahealth.com/.