In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting how Member Services Manager Veronica Parsons put this year’s focus ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ into practice in her own life by partnering with her Cigna Health & Wellness Coach, Ashley Miller. Parsons was able to create lasting changes in her mental as well as physical health with Miller’s help.
Parsons began her journey to better her health by sharing her experiences with multiple surgeries between 2016 and 2019 including a gastric sleeve, hysterectomy, and a partial thyroidectomy, and the effects they had on her body. While recovering from these procedures, she regained over half of the weight she had previously lost, placing her at around 280 pounds in the beginning of 2020.
Parsons was tired and knew she wanted to make changes, but found it difficult to do so on her own – she knew she needed guidance along her journey.
Parsons took her first step by meeting with Miller, then the two began meeting regularly over the phone. Miller partnered with Parsons and guided her on creating a healthy eating plan, lifestyle and fitness routine, and provided education about stress-relieving practices.
“Ashley guided me during each call by finding out where I was and where I wanted to go,” said Parsons. “My primary goal was to discontinue my medication and increase my health – both physically and mentally. One of the very first things we addressed was the severe stress I was experiencing with work, family and personal life. After three sessions, I could really start to see change and improvement with my mental health.”
An initial assessment of Parsons’ stress level indicated she was at 4 on a scale from 0-4, but after working with Miller for one year, her stress level decreased between 0-1. “So much of my mental health is tied into my physical health; I like to think of it as completing an overall health puzzle of myself,” said Parsons. “By working with Ashley on my mental health first, I was able to be very successful with getting my health back on track.”
After Parsons learned important tools for managing her stress, she worked with Miller to establish a consistent workout routine and develop healthy eating strategies. Parsons committed to working out at least three times per week and starting the “One meal a day” (OMAD) diet. Miller also shared her own experiences with the diet as well as helpful books and other resources to help keep Parsons accountable and motivated during their calls.
“When I finish a challenging workout or incorporate a new routine, I have a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Parsons. “There really is a chemical release of all those feel-good hormones post-workout. I am filled with more energy than I was when I walked into the gym and my mood is better, just ask my family!”
With Miller’s support and guidance, Parsons was able to lose 86 pounds over the course of one year, and remove a lot of the anxiety she faced living as a diabetic with chronic health issues. “Having my yearly blood work is no longer a sense of dread and stress,” said Parsons. “I am excited to have that reminder that I am on the right path for continued physical and mental health.”
Miller also helped Parsons identify financial stress as an area of immediate concern and put her in touch with a Cigna caseworker who helped discover a solution for lowering her husband’s high Medicare premium and the stress that was causing. The caseworker helped Parsons through the process of getting the Medicare premium covered under the National Kidney Fund, lowering the premium from $500 to less than $80 for Parsons and her family.
“I could not have been this successful without Ashley’s guidance, education, and compassion,” shared Parsons. “I knew I needed a village and she became a part of that. I cannot say enough about my satisfaction with this program and specifically, Ashley.”
Thank you to Parsons for sharing her story, and to Miller and all of our Cigna Health & Wellness Coaches for the work they do to better the physical and mental well-being of our team members.
If you are interested in working with a Cigna Health & Wellness Coach, click here to learn more about available programs.
Additional resources for putting your mental health and well-being first
Weekly digital sessions – Take advantage of any of the tools and resources offered in May including Mental Health Fairs and Wellness Wednesday Webinars, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Support Group in June – all located on the Mental Health Awareness website.
EAP Wellness classes – Throughout the year, EAP offers various classes to assist employees with improving overall wellness. Go to HealthStream to learn more about dates and times and register.
Questions? For questions or further assistance, please contact our EAP and Well-Being team at 832-824-3327. You can also visit our EAP website where you can find information on additional confidential programs, virtual care options and resources to support your mental health and well-being.
Have you taken the Mental Health Well-Being survey?
During the month of May, Texas Children’s employees are invited to complete the World Health Organization WHO-5 survey. For those working in remote locations or those who would like to take the survey at any time during May, you can access it here.