Feeling Better By Finding Joy

Mental health challenges are some of the most common health conditions people face. Yet, many of us put our mental health on the backburner. And living through a pandemic has complicated matters for many of us.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. In fact, your mental well-being can affect your overall health. For example, depression can increase your risk for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And people who live with ongoing health conditions are more likely to struggle with their mental health — even if they’ve never experienced them before their illness.

“Living with chronic stress and anxiety can affect your ability to feel joy from things you love to do,” says Dr. Nick Dewan, vice president of behavioral health for Florida Blue.

Impact of the Pandemic on Our Mental Health
Many of us have experienced more stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living with chronic stress and anxiety can affect your ability to feel joy from things you love to do, says Dr. Nick Dewan, vice president of behavioral health for Florida Blue.

Dr. Dewan’s Suggestions to Re-Find Joy
• If you aren’t quite feeling like yourself lately, try taking some small steps, like setting small goals, to improve your mental health.

• Do something you’ve enjoyed in the past, like visiting a friend. If it’s hard to feel the same joy from things you love, switch it up a little. Listen to new music or walk in a different park. Trying something different can help you rediscover your joy, Dr. Dewan says.

• Talk to your doctor about your mental health and any symptoms you feel. Your doctor can develop a treatment plan to help you feel your best. If you’re not sure if you have a mental health condition, check out the early warning signs posted on mentalhealth.gov.

Help From Florida Blue
Community specialists at your local Florida Blue Center will be happy to lend a helpful hand or a listening ear. They’ll chat with you about how you’re feeling and can then help connect you to local resources that can help. Available to anyone in the community, in person or over the phone. Get started by visiting floridablue.com/center or calling 1-877-352-5830 to get started.

Visit the Florida Blue website for more information to support your mental well-being at floridablue.com/smallsteps.

Call your local agent

352-353-3399
Dell Richards

Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
© 2022 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.,
DBA Florida Blue. All rights reserved.
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