VCU RamStrong Well-being blog

Don’t ignore the check engine light on your mental health

Stay on the road to well-being—and know where to go for help before you stall out

Just like your car, your mental health needs regular checkups. When the check engine light comes on, it’s a sign to take action to ensure that a small issue doesn’t become a major repair.

The earlier you address the warning signs, the smoother the road ahead. Whether you’re dealing with daily stress or something more serious, knowing where to turn for support can save you time, money, and emotional wear and tear.

Start with a tune-up: VCU Employee Assistance Program or TimelyCare

Think of EAP or TimelyCare as your mental health mechanic who’s ready to help before things break down. For EAP – you and your household members, even if they’re not on your insurance, can access up to four free, confidential counseling sessions. For TimelyCare, VCU employees can access 12 free, confidential counseling sessions per year.

Just like a routine oil change keeps your engine running smoothly, early mental health support can prevent your burnout, anxiety, or emotional overload from escalating.

You can find the EAP and TimelyCare information on RamStrong. EAP and TimelyCare can help with:

• Stress and burnout
• Life transitions
• Communication and boundaries
• Coping skills and self-care
• Referrals for longer-term care

Plus, EAP offers referrals for legal and financial consultations, life coaching, and child/elder care resources for when your life needs a little realignment. VCU also offers financial and legal discounts. You can find those here.

Need a quick fix from home? Try online Doctor’s Visits or online behavioral health

If you’d rather skip the waiting room, online doctor’s visits and tele–behavioral health is like having a mobile mechanic for your mind. Licensed therapists and psychiatrists for you and those on your insurance plan are available online. Just contact the number on the back on your insurance card. Have an appointment in a week or less, and choose a time that works for you, including nights and weekends. EAP Providers can help with:

• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Addictions
• Depression, grief, and loss
• Relationship issues
• Medication management for psychiatric needs, in certain cases
• And more

Your primary care provider: The dashboard expert

A primary care provider is like a dashboard’s diagnostic system. Your PCP knows your full health history and can spot when mental health symptoms are connected to physical ones. Your PCP can:

• Screen for depression, anxiety, and stress
• Discuss changes in sleep, mood, or energy
• Prescribe initial medications
• Refer you to a specialist

Need help navigating? Call your insurance provider

When the road gets confusing, your insurance provider whether Anthem COVA Care or Aetna COVA HealthAware is your GPS. Its nurses, social workers, and behavioral health experts can help you:

• Find in-network PCPs, therapists, psychiatrists, or specialists
• Understand your insurance coverage
• Coordinate care across mental and physical health
• Create a self-care plan and connect you to resources
• Explore treatment options for anxiety, trauma, or mood disorders

To reach your insurance provider, contact the number on your insurance card or get that information here.

When the warning light turns red: Crisis support

If you’re in distress and need immediate help but the condition is not life-threatening, you have same-day and virtual crisis options:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime.
• Crisis Support at VCU

Emergency care: Safety first

Your safety and well-being always come first. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for:

• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Threats of harm to self or others
• Extreme panic, mania, psychosis, or confusion
• Alcohol and drug withdrawal symptoms

Emergency departments are equipped to stabilize and protect your safety when it matters most.

Food Access and Other Support Resources

We recognize that these are difficult times, and you may be concerned about employees who could be facing challenges. Rather than asking individuals directly about food insecurities, a good approach is to share resources with everyone in a general way. This allows employees who may need support to explore options privately, while others simply become more aware of what’s available. 

VCU HR has compiled a list focused on food access and financial and mental health that you can share with your staff to help ensure everyone has access to support if needed. You can find that list here.

Bottom line: Don’t wait for a breakdown

Mental health care is just like car care—routine maintenance keeps you running smoothly, and early attention to warning signs can prevent a full-blown crisis. With resources such as EAP, TimelyCare, telehealth, and your PCP, you’ve got a full-service crew ready to help.

Take the wheel and check in with yourself. Reach out to to get a jumpstart on your mental well-being.