Mental Health and Wellness

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is the balance of the state of functioning of the brain and emotions and how that balance (or imbalance) affects behavior and thoughts. 

What is the stigma around Mental Health?

There is still too much stigma surrounding behavioral and mental health. Historically, “crazy” or “mad” folks have been ostracized from society. This has been due to ignorance about mental health.  Unfortunately, there is still too much fear and mis-understanding in our communities about mental health. Many people suffer from mental health disorders. And given the current COVID-19 crisis, many more people will suffer from mental illness.

• Too many people suffer in silence with mental illness
• The latest statistics before COVID stated that about 1 in 5 people were diagnosed with a mental illness in America
• Those numbers will increase now during the COVID-19 crisis
• Mental Health includes wellness, self-care, emotional regulations, relationship issues, and parenting among other facets of everyday life
• Mental well-being is important to everyone
• Mental illness can happen to anyone

Everyone deserves access to mental health treatment.

You have rights as a patient when it comes to mental health services:

• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Have your privacy protected
• Understand treatment options and alternatives
• Receive services appropriate for your age and culture
• Get care that does not discriminate on the basis of your age, gender, race, or type of illness

You can learn more about your rights as a patient in the following resources:

• Medi-Cal Members:
  • Rights and Responsibilities as a Member of IEHP Medi-Cal
  • Medi-Cal Member Handbook: Page 105
• IEHP DualChoice (HMO D-SNP) Members:
  • Rights and Responsibilities as a Member of IEHP DualChoice (HMO D-SNP)
  • HMO D-SNP Member Handbook: Page 124

Things you can do to learn more or to get help

• Understand the importance of mental health wellness and what is a mental illness. Click here to learn more.
• Take a quick check up from the neck up. Click here to take an online screening. 

Tips for staying mentally well during COVID-19

• Self-care is critical: listen to your warning signs of struggling with your emotions and doing the basic things like showering, eating, sleeping, and exercise
• Do something that brings you enjoyment every day: play with your children or spouse, take walks, read a book, do something creative
• Connect with someone outside your home every day via telephone or other video technology
• Eat nutritiously, do not binge or eat too many sweets
• Avoid alcohol
• Continue to see your therapist via tele-health
• Continue to take care of your physical, financial, and spiritual needs
• Be patient with yourself and others
• Readily forgive yourself
• Exercise, do yoga, go for a walk. 
• Stay active, but do not overdo it
• Seek treatment for your mental health whenever needed
  

At IEHP Behavioral Health, we put just as much importance on your mental health as on your physical health. Your mental health includes a balance of emotional, psychological and social well-being.  It affects how you think, what you feel, and how you act. 

Your mind and body are connected and therefore, one can affect the other. When your mind suffers, your body suffers as well. At IEHP Behavioral Health, our goal is to help you live your best and healthiest life, both mentally and physically.  

Mental illness is more common than you might think and IEHP is here to help and support. Did you know that one in five adults in the United States suffers from a mental illness that can be treated? These people are battling mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and even drug or alcohol abuse.  

If you think you may be experiencing a behavioral or mental health challenge and want to seek treatment, schedule an appointment with your Doctor. If you don’t have a Doctor, you can find a behavioral health specialist in your area, call IEHP Member Services at 1-800-440-IEHP (4347), Monday–Friday, 7am–7pm, and Saturday–Sunday, 8am–5pm. TTY users should call 1-800-718-4347 and ask to speak to the Behavioral Health Department.

If you are experiencing thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please go to your closest emergency room, call 911, or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Remember that you are not alone.  
Many people are struggling or will struggle with mood and anxiety issues during this time.
Reach out for help.  
Mental health help is available and we want you to get help.

Available Resources

San Bernardino County Behavioral Health
Riverside County Behavioral Health
San Bernardino County Substance Use
Riverside County Substance Use
Psychiatry Walk-in Clinic (Montclair)
Psychiatry Walk-in Clinic (Palm Desert)
Psychiatry Walk-in Clinic (Victorville)
Teen Mental Health Guide
COVID-19 Maternal Mental Health FAQ
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Find a provider

Maternal Mental Health & Wellness Resources 

National Postpartum Support International
Local Inland Empire Maternal Mental Health Collaborative Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Too many people are experiencing suicidal thoughts and mental health concerns without the support and care they need. But there is hope. The 988 Lifeline offers the opportunity to help a countless number of people struggling with suicidal thoughts and health-related distress each day. 

What is 988?

This is an easy-to-remember number that people in crisis can call. It will route them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

• It is a life-saving resource for people in crisis.
• It is a number to call to get in touch with trained crisis counselors, not police.

When people call or text 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing Lifeline network. These counselors will listen, understand how problems are affecting the callers, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

How is 988 different than 911?

988 is not a new service, just a new number. The 988 code was set up to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. It provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).

Is 988 available for substance use crisis?

The Lifeline accepts calls from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis.

Is the 988 Lifeline a free service?

Yes, the Lifeline answers calls 24/7 in multiple languages. The 988 service also answers texts or chats (English only). Standard data rates from mobile carriers may apply to those who text to the Lifeline. If monetary help is needed for communications needs, please see www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for details. Calls, texts, and chats are available to anyone who needs mental health-related or suicide crisis support. 

Is Lifeline available for everyone? 

It is offered to everyone in the United States, providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The 988 Lifeline offers the opportunity to help a countless number of people struggling with suicidal thoughts and health-related distress each day.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call your local crisis number below. 988 services nationwide continue to be in development, utilize your local resources as needed. 

Riverside Urgent Care Clinics

San Bernardino Urgent Care Clinics

Additional Resources

• Take My Hand, a Mental Health Peer Support Chat Line
• Medi-Cal Mental Health Services CARES LINE 1-800-499-3008.