Stress can be a natural reaction to new experiences, uncomfortable situations, or busy schedules. However, chronic stress is different, involving prolonged, consistent feelings of pressure and overwhelm. It can leave you drained and irritable and can also impact your mental and physical health.

In Massachusetts, over 30 percent of adults experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can be linked to high stress environments. Additionally, certain life circumstances, such as income level, exposure to crime, housing instability, and chronic conditions have been shown to impact your stress level and mental health.

At CCA, we serve individuals with significant medical and health-related social needs – many of whom face stress on a daily basis. Our approach to care is centered on understanding and addressing each person’s unique challenges so they can thrive in the communities they call home.

This was especially true for CCA member Felicia*, who was dealing with significant stress related to housing insecurity, substance use, and untreated behavioral health challenges. For many years, Felicia didn’t have the tools to live well and felt forgotten by the healthcare system. The stress of navigating these issues without support caused her health to suffer.

When Felicia joined CCA, her care team coordinated directly with her behavioral health providers to ensure she could access the services she needed. With consistent care from her providers, Felicia was able to better manage her stress, navigate her health conditions, and get her life back on track. Now, she is in recovery, attending therapy sessions, and living a more stable, happier life.

Felicia is not alone in her experiences. For many people, difficult personal situations can lead to chronic stress, which can also exacerbate underlying health issues and lead to other challenges. If left untreated, chronic stress can increase your risk of heart disease, digestive problems, and inflammation in the body. It also can negatively affect your mood, energy, and decision making.

CCA knows that lived experiences can have a profound impact on someone’s health and well-being. That’s why we work with members one-on-one to identify and mitigate barriers to wellness. Our care teams are proud to be engaged in the communities we serve, allowing us to further understand the needs of our members and guide them towards better health.

By linking members with local resources and community organizations, we empower them to address stressors in their daily lives. This could mean helping members access healthy foods, connecting them with housing programs, or working with them to find the right behavioral health provider for their needs. Above all, CCA is committed to supporting our members through all of life’s triumphs and challenges.

“No one is immune from occasional stress, but sometimes, that stress can build up and become hard to manage on your own,” said Kelli Barrieau, VP of Clinical Services at CCA. “The symptoms of chronic stress touch every aspect of our lives, and so the solutions must do the same. That’s why CCA works with our members to address the entire scope of their needs, which allows them to focus on keeping their mental and physical health on track.”

*Name changed to protect member privacy

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