UPMC for Life Dual (HMO SNP) Plan and UPMC Community HealthChoices Plan Caring for Life Newsletter

CARING FOR LIFE • Issue One • 2022 6 Many people feel worried or sad occasionally, usually in response to stress. If those feelings persist or start to affect your life, you may be experiencing anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression are mental health conditions that can become serious issues if they aren’t addressed. It’s important to know the symptoms and what resources are available to help you cope. The symptoms of depression range from lingering sadness to feelings of worthlessness. Those with depression may find it difficult to sleep, have little energy, or have no appetite. Depression can make routine tasks—such as getting out of bed—seem difficult or impossible. People with an anxiety disorder may experience feelings that range from obsessive worry to debilitating panic. Symptoms can include persistent self-doubt or self- consciousness, chronic muscle tension, irritability, or heart palpitations. Anxiety may also make sleeping difficult. If you feel sad or anxious, try these tips to manage your symptoms: • Talk it out. Telling a friend or loved one how you feel can help. Discussing your situation may help ease your mind. Try this breathing technique the next time you’re feeling stressed! Paying attention to your breathing helps you control stress because you focus only on your breath and not on your worries. It also increases your awareness of your body. Here’s how to breathe from your belly: • Sit comfortably in a chair with your back straight. Uncross your legs. • Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. • Inhale through your nose and imagine that your belly is a big balloon and you are slowly filling it with air. The hand on your belly should rise; the hand on your chest should move very little. • Exhale through your mouth. Push out as much air as you can by using your abdominal muscles. Count slowly as you exhale. • Do this at least two to three more times, being sure to focus your attention on the rise and fall of your belly. Complete the My Health Assessment Survey to help us better understand your health needs Your health is important to us at UPMC for Life. By completing the My Health Assessment Survey each year, you can help us better understand your health needs. Completing your survey is simple—it takes only about 15 minutes. Your answers will be kept completely confidential. Make sure you follow the instructions explained in the survey and complete all questions. Here are three easy ways to complete your survey: • Complete the hard copy survey we mailed to you. Use the postage- paid return envelope enclosed in the mailing to return it to us. • Call your Health Care Concierge at the phone number on your member ID card to complete this survey over the phone. We can also mail you another hard copy survey if needed. • Log in to My Health Online, your secure member website, at upmchealthplan.com/members. 15 minutes now may mean better health for you in the future After you complete the My Health Assessment Survey, we will review your answers to see if there are any health services you may need. Someone from our care management team may contact you to help you develop a personal care plan. This service is available to you at no additional cost. How to cope with anxiety and depression—and when to get help • Take a deep breath. Breathing exercises can help lower your heart rate and calm your nerves. • Practice mindfulness. Pause, clear your head, and focus on the current situation. Don’t think about the past or the future— concentrate on what you’re experiencing right now. • Get expert help. Our health coaches can help you learn coping techniques to better manage anxiety and depression. You can reach a health coach by calling 1-855-395-8762 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • RxWell. Our RxWell app gives you instant access to self-guided activities and services. And you can get personal help and support from a health coach when you need it. Depression and anxiety are treatable, and help is available for members. Visit upmchealthplan.com/members/condition- support/behavioral-health.aspx to access more resources that can help you better manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, “Anxiety Disorders”, https://www.nimh.nih . gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders; National Institute of Mental Health, “Depression”, https:// www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression