If you have felt tense or anxious while watching the news, know you are not alone. 
 

These tips can help protect your mental health.
<ul>
 <li>Focus on your breath. Slowing your breathing can be an effective way to calm your nervous system.</li>
 <li>Be mindful. Recognize your needs and limit social media and news. Images can be graphic and disturbing.</li>
 <li>Reach out to your family and friends. It&rsquo;s important not to hold stuff in.</li>
 <li>Self-care can include helping others. Look for organizations that provide crisis relief to help ease the feelings of helplessness.</li>
 <li>Manage stress by doing activities you enjoy.</li>
</ul>
You can also help support others in need if they show <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/warning-signs-risk-factors">signs of emotional distress.</a> Practice these steps to provide a sense of security:&nbsp; 
<ul>
 <li>Listen nonjudgmentally. Let them know it&rsquo;s OK not to be OK.</li>
 <li>Give reassurance. Let them know they&rsquo;re safe, and there are people who care about them.</li>
 <li>Encourage self-care. Examples include eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep and water. </li>
</ul>
With so many suffering, it is human to feel guilty; but it is also a reminder of our compassion and empathy for others. To support the humanitarian efforts, we&rsquo;ve donated to a Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. Our thoughts are with Ukraine and everyone suffering during this tense time.
If someone you know needs emotional support or professional care, please check out these resources:
<ul>
 <li>Find a behavioral health provider in your network at <a href="http://www.azblue.com/">azblue.com</a>.</li>
 <li>Check with your employer to see if they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).</li>
 <li>Schedule an appointment with a behavioral health provider using <a href="https://bluecareanywhereaz.com/landing.htm">BlueCare Anywhere.*</a></li>
 <li>Visit the <a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/">Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</a> for free and confidential support, 24/7.</li>
</ul>

 
 
*Resources may vary by health plan. Check your summary of benefits, ask your employer, or call the number on the back of your member ID card if you have questions about your benefits.
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911. You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration&rsquo;s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or text MHFA to 741-741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.

Dealing with the Impact of the Crisis in Ukraine

After years of coming together as a global community to fight the pandemic, it is devastating to witness the events taking place in Ukraine. Words can&rsquo;t adequately describe it, but we are all feeling it, especially those who are either from or have strong ties to Ukraine.