Help with stress relief and stress management

How Stress Affects the Body

Each person feels stress in different ways. Common signs of stress are:

  • Feeling fear, anger, sad, worry, numb, or frustrated.
  • Changes in your appetite, energy, desires, and interests.
  • Trouble focusing or making choices.
  • Trouble sleeping or having nightmares.
  • Headaches, body pains, stomach problems, or skin rashes.
  • Your chronic health problems and mental health issues are getting worse.
  • Using more alcohol, illegal drugs (like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine), and misusing medicine (like opioids).

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Taking steps to reduce your stress can help you feel better. Here are some ways you can manage stress:

  • Take breaks from news stories and/or social media on your phone, TV, and computers. It is ok to disconnect from your devices.
  • Care for your body by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying active.
  • Learn more and get tips with a fact sheet on Healthy Eating and Physical Activity.
  • Get enough sleep. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time. Adults need 7 or more hours of sleep. Avoid any caffeinated drinks like coffee.
  • Try to relax more. Try different ways to relax. You can learn how to do deep breathing, meditation, tai chi, or yoga. Find a Wellness Class online at sfhp.org/health-wellness or near you.
  • You can also use many tools online or on smart phone apps. Download the Insight Timer app or visit insighttimer.com for free guided meditations and workshops led by teachers around the world.
  • Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling. CalHOPE Connect offers secure, and culturally sensitive emotional support. They do not need your full or last name, address, or phone number. You can chat anytime online at calhopeconect.org or call the CalHOPE 24/7 at 1(833) 317-4673.

Get Help

If your stress doesn’t go away or gets worse over time, talk with your *Primary Care Provider (PCP.)
Medi-Cal members can talk with a Behavioral Health Specialist at no cost with Carelon Behavioral Health. Call 1(855) 371-8117 to learn more or make an appointment.
*Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.

 More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: For more information, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free) or 1(888) 883-7347 (TTY), Monday – Friday, from 8:30am – 5:30pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.