Connecting with the right care for mental health

1. Anxious, Depressed or Both

There are varying degrees and reasons for anxiety and depression. They can be born out of work stresses, personal relationships, or traumatic experiences. They can be the result of a symptom of an underlying health issue or simply exist for reasons we can’t explain.

Here are a few lifestyle changes that help ease feelings of anxiety and/or depression:

Using guided meditation apps
Exercising regularly
Practicing deep breathing and grounding techniques
Connecting to nature
Making plans with friends (even when you don’t feel like it)

When that’s not enough, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. Recommendations from friends and family, or referrals from primary care doctors, can be a great way to start your search. Mental wellness is a journey, so never stop exploring your options.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers and providers. Call 800-950-NAMI (6264) or text 62640.
NAMI NC is specific to North Carolina and provides information and a compassionate ear, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (800) 451-9682, text (919) 999-6527 or email helpline@naminc.org.
Care Navigation services are available to Blue Cross NC members[1] of all ages, from children to geriatric members. Blue Cross NC members can log in to Blue Connect and fill out a mental health referral form. Look for “behavioral health support” under the “wellness” category and click into “care navigation.” Care navigators will then contact you after you complete your form to help you find a provider or resources to meet your needs. Sometimes, you may have to try a few providers until you find one that aligns with your needs and expectations. Blue Cross NC care navigators will help make sure you find the right therapist or psychiatrist for long-term support.

2. Lonely

Social relationships are so vital that you can become physically and emotionally ill without them. The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023 on the threat of the loneliness epidemic—citing health risks on par with smoking.

For older populations in North Carolina, the impact of loneliness is profound. Older people are more likely to live alone or have experienced the loss of family and friends. Research has consistently demonstrated a link between loneliness and higher mortality rates and dementia.

Here are some resources for how to stay connected to others for greater happiness, health and self-esteem:

At Hopeline you can have a confidential conversation with a person from North Carolina. They’ll listen as you talk about any feelings you’re experiencing and offer support and advice.
There are therapists who specialize in chronic loneliness. Mental Health Match can find someone in your area who can help you overcome persistent feelings of isolation.
For older adults, the World Health Organization has easy tips to put you on a path to a less lonely life.
Social Work License Map is also a great resource for connecting older adults to volunteering opportunities, companionship and transportation.

3. In Distress or Suicidal

In North Carolina, 1,448 people died by suicide in 2021. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or facing a life-threatening crisis, immediately call 911 and ask to speak with a Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) officer who can quickly step in to assist.

Kids are particularly at risk for suicide. It is now the leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14 in North Carolina. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies emerge during moments of extreme stress and hopelessness, so it’s absolutely critical to find support before tragedy strikes.

Here are some places where you can get help:

4. Suffering from PTSD

Anyone can be affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it is especially prevalent in the military community. 720,000 veterans currently call North Carolina home, and the transition to civilian life can be extremely difficult for some. According to the Wounded Warrior Project, one in three veterans lives with PTSD.

PTSD symptoms include:

Reexperiencing trauma through flashbacks and bad dreams
Avoiding thoughts, people, places or activities that serve as reminders
Having heightened emotional reactions, especially when startled or stressed
Finding it difficult to sleep
Experiencing negative thoughts and feelings of guilt
Losing interest in hobbies

Stress and trauma from combat can leave emotional scars, but there are ways to heal. Here are mental health resources for veterans: