Mental Health Checkups Matter Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. One simple step you can take is a depression screening. It is a short list of questions that helps your healthcare provider understand how you are feeling. These screenings are often part of a yearly checkup and only take a few minutes. They can show if you may need more help. Depression is more than feeling sad for a short time. It can affect your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, school,
work, and daily life. Screenings are recommended starting at age 12. If you are a parent or caregiver, ask your child’s doctor about a depression screening at their next visit. Also watch for changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or interests. Speak up if something seems different. If a screening shows that you or your child may need more help, follow your provider’s advice. If you need to find a mental health provider, you may be able to access a professional online; see our Virtual Benefits page. To learn more, visit our Behavioral Health Resources webpage.
Stay Steady on Your Feet, and Get Help if You Fall A fall can change daily life very quickly, especially for older adults or people with long-term health needs. Preventing falls is important. Getting help after a fall matters too. You can take simple steps to help prevent falls at home: • Keep walkways clear. Move clutter and loose rugs that could make you trip. • Make sure your home has good lighting, especially in hallways, stairs, and bathrooms. • Wear shoes that fit well and support your feet. Do not wear clothes that drag on the floor. • If you use a cane, walker, or other device, make sure you use it the right way. It also helps to talk with your provider about medications that may make you dizzy. Tell them if you have trouble with balance, walking, seeing, or hearing. If you fall at home, a personal emergency response system, or PERS, can help you call for help fast. This can help you and your caregivers feel safer. You may also need help getting better after a fall. Physical therapy, or PT, can help with strength, balance, and safe movement. Occupational therapy, or OT, can help you do daily tasks more safely and lower the chance of another fall. Your provider can help plan for care, home support, or therapy.
SUMMER 2026 Fidelis Care Member Newsletter 2
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