Individualized support for mental health offered through myStrength, a digital ‘health club for the mind’

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health illnesses are common in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Estimates suggest that only half of people with mental illnesses receive effective care or support. Courtesy of Anthem, Purdue’s medical plan administrator, myStrength is a no-cost emotional health and well-being program – known as a digital “health club for the mind”-- available to provide individualized support and inspiration to cultivate resilience and strengthen skills to build strong mental health.

All employees and dependents, regardless of whether or not they are covered on a Purdue medical plan, can use myStrength.

“On a normal day, we know there are multiple stressors hitting us all from many directions -- home, work, social media, television and more -- and right now, those ordinary stressors seem to be on overload,” says Candace Shaffer, senior benefits director in Human Resources. “Our Healthy Boiler Program includes a behavioral health pillar for a reason. It’s important today and every day to have access to resources to help our mental health stay as healthy as possible, which is why myStrength is such a great option. It’s digital, easily accessible from anywhere, free and can be tailored to fit each person’s unique needs. We’re pleased to be able to offer myStrength to supplement the other mental health resources available.”

Overview

Incorporating multiple programs, myStrength can help manage depression, stress, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain and even insomnia, and it can be tailored to specific individual needs and interests via:

• Mood tracker and wellness assessments.
• Videos and articles with advice about relationships and health from leading clinicians.
• Personalized workouts and activity recommendations.
• User community to encourage and support program participants.

Individuals have secure, private support at home and on the go that's accessible online and via the myStrength app. Each person’s homepage is made for them and their individual needs. Every time someone logs in, they will be asked how they are feeling, how they slept and what their stress level is.

Individuals also have the ability to add notes and select specific topics that they want to focus on for mental health, physical health, parenting, spirituality and more. Based on those focus items, the homepage will indicate two things the program would like them to work on; those can be changed simply by changing the focus items.

Individuals will be able to see how they’re doing and monitor their progress through their mood tracker and wellness assessments. In addition, they will receive positive inspiration from the myStrength community of users while also getting help building their own goals. Videos and articles from leading clinicians are also available for sound tips on relationship and health topics.

Questions

Any questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-490-0999 or toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.