We all know how difficult it is to achieve our best work and cope with life’s challenges when we’re going through a tough time. And, as we have come to better understand in recent years, nearly everyone has either had personal experience or knows someone who has been touched by a mental health condition.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we encourage you to take care of yourself – today and every day – which in turn, will better our collective mental well-being. Take advantage of these free resources offered by BAE Systems and Cigna to help you stay on top of your mental wellness.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness – it’s often the strongest thing you can do. If you need help immediately, support is available around the clock, no matter where you are.

ABLE Advocates: Select members of the ABLE ERG who have been trained to recognize key signs of mental health situations and trained on how to properly engage someone who is struggling and where to direct employees in need of help. ABLE Advocates are located in all the sectors and provide psychological safety for employees to seek confidential assistance when needed.

Free, text-based therapy: Talkspace, part of the Confide/EAP, is included as part or all of your eight free sessions per year per issue and is available to members of your household ages 13 and up.

Help quitting tobacco: The EX Program, developed in partnership with Mayo Clinic, is free to you and your spouse or domestic partner and offers quit solutions to help overcome the mental, physical, and social aspects of ending your relationship with tobacco.

Child and elder care, college coaching, and virtual tutoring services: Bright Horizons offers child care, elder care, college coaching, virtual tutoring, household services, and more.

Financial wellness webinars: Spanning topics ranging from beginning your savings journey to planning for retirement, these on-demand webinars can help you and your family take charge of your finances and prepare for the future.

Wellness webcasts: Available live and on-demand, these webcasts feature topics like mental health awareness and using holistic well-being tips. You and members of your household can register for free to attend live broadcasts or access available replays and handouts. All live broadcasts are one hour and take place on Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. ET.

Racial trauma resources: Acts of racial injustice can bring on many emotions. Cigna offers all employees strategies for maintaining your well-being and resources to help you take action and build better understanding.

Resources for veterans and their families: Special programs designed for veterans and their family members, compliments of Cigna. Medical plan participation is not required.

Behavioral awareness seminars: All employees and their household members can register to attend these seminars at no cost. Seminars relevant to mental health include:

• Is your child affected by a mood or anxiety disorder, or dealing with depression? Understanding behavioral disorders can be hard. Knowing how to help someone who has one can be even harder. Every month, Cigna hosts free phone seminars to help you learn more about behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. These seminars are open to anyone who would like to learn more about children and adolescent behavioral disorders and receive expert advice on how to handle day-to-day challenges. Learn more.
• Is substance use a concern? When substance use affects someone you love, it can affect everything. It can change how you feel and act, leaving you confused as to how to best help your loved one. Every month, Cigna hosts free phone seminars to help you learn more about substance use and recovery. These seminars are open to you, your loved ones, and caregivers. Sign up for any one of these seminars, and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.
• Would you like to learn about autism spectrum disorder? Caring for a child with autism can be a challenge. Each activity needs a unique set of skills and understanding. Every month, Cigna hosts phone seminars to help you learn more about autism. These seminars offer expert information on common issues, coping techniques, and caregiver support, and are open to anyone, including parents, caregivers, and loved ones. Sign up for any one of these seminars, and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.
• Do you know someone with anorexia nervosa or bulimia? Cigna can help you learn more about the physical and emotional symptoms of eating disorders like these through their free monthly phone seminars. Anyone, including loved ones and caregivers, can attend. Sign up for any one of these seminars, and you’ll receive a reminder once the event date gets closer.