Winning Health | Gold Coast Health Plan | Issue 1 | Summer 2019

member services: 1-888-301-1228/TTY 1-888-310-7347 3 Mental wellness for the new school year The start of a new school year can be an exciting and stressful time for children. Especially for those who are facing major transitions, like starting at a new school or moving to a new city. As a parent, there are important steps you can take to support your child: Establish an early routine ●  ● Establish a back-to-school routine two weeks before school starts. ●  ● Adjust bedtime schedules before school begins. ●  ● Promote good eating habits–make healthy breakfasts and go grocery shopping together. Get acquainted with the school ●  ● Visit the school before the first day. Walk around the campus to locate the classrooms, lunchroom, playground and restrooms. ●  ● Speak with the school’s staff. Provide emotional support ●  ● Talk to your child about expectations for the school year. Ask them about their concerns. ●  ● If you make rules, make sure they are simple, age appropriate, clear, and can be consistently enforced. ●  ● Spend time each day talking to your child. Try asking, “What was the most exciting thing about today? What was the most stressful?” Remember to share about your day too. ●  ● Encourage your child to get involved in school activities. ●  ● Talk about ways to make new friends and be a good friend. Identify additional mental health needs ●  ● Know the signs of bullying. Direct bullying is pushing, kicking, teasing, name-calling and destroying belongings. Indirect bullying is leaving someone out of a group, spreading rumors and cyber bullying. If your child is a bully or being bullied, swift action involving school staff is needed. ●  ● Remind your child that it’s normal to feel nervous about the start of school. ●  ● Be proactive in learning about how your child is developing physically, socially and emotionally. Recognizing sudden changes in behaviors is useful in the early intervention of emotional needs. ●  ● Talk to your child’s doctor, teacher, or other classroom-based staff about what you can do as a parent. If problems continue, consider getting a referral to a trained and qualified mental health professional. ©2014-2019 Mental Health America. Used with permission. www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ back-school-2014 © 2019 Beacon Health Options, Inc. https://www.achievesolutions.net/ achievesolutions/en/ KNOW THAT YOUR child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. If you or your child needs someone to talk to, call Gold Coast Health Plan’s behavioral health provider, Beacon Health Options, at 1-855-765-9702 / TTY 1-800-735-2929 . Care Management: We’re here for you The Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) Care Management team is here for you. The team will work with you, your family and your health care providers to get you the care and services you need. The Care Management team can help you: ❱  ❱ Understand your condition and your doctor’s plan for you. ❱  ❱ Learn about your medications. ❱  ❱ Get connected with other agencies. ❱  ❱ Coordinate your care between your doctors. ❱  ❱ Schedule appointments. If you have concerns about your treatment or have a problem getting your medical equipment or supplies, please call Care Management at 1-805-437-5656 or GCHP Member Ser vices at 1-888-301-1228/ TTY 1-888-310-7347 .