In observance of World Mental Health Day, this email was sent to Hershey Entertainment & Resorts team members. 

Good morning,

The first World Mental Health Day was in 1992 and thirty years later, mental health is now more important than ever. With mounting stressors including an impending recession, lingering COVID-19 related concerns, and ongoing politician dissension, it is no wonder that an estimated 43 million Americans are challenged with mental health issues. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depressive disorders increased at least 25% during the first year of the pandemic – especially among our youth. A study from the Journal of American Medicine confirmed a sharp increase in child and adolescent mental illness during the start of the pandemic. This global emergency has been made worse by the lack of services, funding and the availability of healthcare providers. 

It is more imperative than ever that we continue to educate ourselves on the symptoms of mental illness and the help that is available. Earlier this year, we shared the signs of mental illness and depression, as well as the resources available both internally and externally.

In honor of World Mental Health Day, we are resharing this important and valuable information.

This link provides additional information to understand what depression is.

• HE&R Healthcare Benefits:
  • Team members participating in our medical coverage have inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse care coverage. Providers can be found by selecting the “Find Care” link on the Highmark app or by logging in to your account at highmarkblueshield.com. Through its partnership with Share Care, Highmark also offers an app to provide participants with secure and personalized insights, information, daily tracking, programs and health tools to live their healthiest life.
  • Employees and their families can use the HE&R Employee Assistance Program (Username: Hershey; Password: 8004924357) or call 1-800-492-4357 to access a variety of confidential mental health, substance abuse and other well-being topics and resources.
• Other Resources:

Mental illness affects anyone regardless of age, gender, religion, education level, or socioeconomic status. ‘Make mental health for all a global priority,’ is this year’s theme and we encourage open, honest conversations among your team members, family and friends. Please do not hesitate to reach out to someone you trust for help. 

Thank you.