May is Military Appreciation Month, in addition to being Mental Health Awareness Month. That means we remember, honor, and support all who have served and continue to proudly serve – especially in May. Just as you have kept us safe, we’d like to share several well-being benefits designed with veterans and their families in mind.
Get help in a crisis
If you are in crisis or are having thoughts of suicide or know a service member or veteran in crisis, connect with the Military Crisis Line / Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24/7/365. There are three ways to connect with a real person qualified to support veterans:
- Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
- Text 838255.
- Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Confidential support for all through the Confide Behavioral Health Navigator / Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Confide / EAP offers confidential support through resources and counselors to help you navigate life’s challenges, including mental health issues. You and the members of your household are automatically enrolled in the Confide / EAP, and you don’t have to be in a Cigna medical plan to use the EAP’s tools and services.
Confide / EAP resources for veterans
Veteran Support Line: Call Cigna’s Veteran Support Line 24/7 at 1-855-244-6211 to speak with licensed Cigna behavioral therapists, some of whom are veterans themselves. They can provide you and your family members with free and confidential support to help you work through complex issues and crises. Their dedicated triage team can help direct you to the right resources and services, including:
- Pain management
- Substance use
- Counseling and treatment
- Financial issues
- Food, clothing, housing, and transportation challenges
- Parenting and child care needs
This service is open to all veterans – you do not have to be a Cigna medical plan member to use this service.
Mindfulness for Vets program: All veterans can receive training in stress management, acceptance, and compassion through Cigna’s Mindfulness for Vets telephonic program. Mindfulness therapy has been proven to have a positive impact on depression, stress, anxiety, performance, sleep, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This program is open to all veterans – you do not have to be a Cigna medical plan member to participate. All sessions are conducted by a Cigna specialist and last about an hour. Several options are available.
- For veterans only: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Eastern time. Call 1-866-205-5379 (passcode 113 29 178) to join.
- For veterans, their families, and caregivers: Thursdays 8:30 to 9 p.m. Eastern time. Call 1-866-205-5379 (passcode 113 01 992) to join.
Support networks at BAE Systems
Join the Veterans Support Network (must be on the BAE Systems network to access). The VSN is an employee resource group that connects employees of the armed forces’ Total Force and its supporters. It provides seasoned mentors to help those transitioning to the private sector to enhance career development and continued professional growth. Email erg.vsn@baesystems.com to learn more.
Reach out to an Advocate. Advocates, some of whom are veterans, are specially trained members of the ABLE ERG who are available to any employee seeking emotional support and/or psychological safety. Locate an Advocate through the Advocate Directory (must be on the BAE Systems network to access).
Visit the Resilience page for resources to improve your well-being.