HEALTH

How to Respond to Unhelpful Thoughts: Friday Fix

Amy Morin, LCSW
Verywell Mind Editor-in-Chief

Your brain tries to be helpful. It tells you about the dangers you should be looking out for so that you don't get hurt. It also likes to remind you of past mistakes in an attempt to prevent you from repeating them.

Of course, though, your brain doesn't always get it right. It may repeatedly warn you that you shouldn't apply for a job because you can't handle the rejection. Or it may dredge up past memories that cause you to stay stuck in a dark place.

There may be times when your brain overestimates you in an unhelpful manner as well. It might convince you that you don't need to prepare for an interview because you are going to nail it.

Or, it may give you a pep talk to talk you into taking a risk that ultimately ends up being a mistake.

Everyone has unhelpful thoughts sometimes. And those are just a few examples. Your brain might fill your head with self-doubt or it might even call you names sometimes.

Fortunately, you don't have to believe everything you think. And while you can't control all the automatic thoughts that pop up into your mind, you can choose how you respond to those thoughts.

On today's episode, I talk about how to respond to those unhelpful stories your brain tells you. I'll give you some effective strategies for responding to irrational thoughts and explain why our brains often get things wrong.

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Tips for Getting Free or Low-Cost COVID Care

By Paola de Varona, News Editor

Happy April 1! As we trudge through a month full of rain showers, remember it'll bring May flowers. And getting your gardening in can be good for your heart health.

Today's Top Story

How Can Uninsured Patients Find COVID-19 Care After Funding Runs Out?

The White House is running out of COVID-19 funds, and uninsured Americans will soon have to foot the bill for tests and treatments.

After April 5, the federal Uninsured Program will stop accepting claims from hospitals and clinics for providing COVID-19 testing and care to patients who are uninsured. This means providers have to either cover these costs themselves or turn away patients.

Some states have used Medicaid emergency authorities to cover COVID-19 testing for uninsured individuals. But only a third of the states have adopted this policy—which will expire once the federal government ends the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration.

There's still a chance Congress might act and approve additional COVID-19 funding, but it's all up in the air for now.

Know More

If you're uninsured, you can make use of a special enrollment period at the healthcare.gov marketplace and get insurance. If you meet the income requirements, you can potentially get a low-cost plan. Check here to see if you qualify. As for COVID-19 testing, several community health centers and pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS, offer low-cost or free testing. You can still order your free COVID tests from the government if you haven't already.

Feel Better

If you find yourself navigating high costs, some providers may be open to cost negotiations or offer you payment plans. And make sure to ask Explanation of Benefits (EOB) after getting a medical bill, especially if the charges aren't adding up. You may be able to get some of the costs removed.

Currently, 15 states have expanded Medicaid coverage to cover COVID-19 testing for uninsured people.

Omicron Subvariant BA.2 Does Not Evade Tests

Despite BA.2 being a new variant, your COVID-19 tests will still be able to pick up a BA.2 COVID infection. There is no proof suggesting BA.2 prevents COVID-19 tests from giving accurate results. Still, the best way to make sure you're getting the right diagnosis is by testing a few times over the course of several days. Catching an infection at the start of symptoms is especially important if you're trying to get treatments like monoclonal antibodies or Pfizer's COVID pill.

Taking a Cooking Class Can Boost Your Mental Health

Looking for something to give you a little mental health boost? Booking that cooking class you've had your eye on can help. A new study shows that participants of a 7-week cooking program gained "cooking confidence" and experienced improvements in their mental health. Participants were able to easily change their eating habits and overcome negative lifestyle behaviors, like a lack of confidence around cooking. Taking a class in a group setting—especially after several years of social isolation—can help you feel more connected to a community, too.

In an interview with Verywell, Steve Nguyen, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, shared how beyond just supporting heart health, daily movement like gardening or house chores can help support your mental health, too.

Depending on the context of the daily life movement, gardening, and other daily life movements can reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a sense of purpose.

Steve Nguyen, PhD
Postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health

Keep Reading

	■	What Is 'Medical Gaslighting'? The New York Times

	■	Microplastics Detected in Human Blood in New Study. Smithsonian Magazine

	■	New Federal Website Shows You Where to Find COVID Pills. NPR