Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1434375
46 W I N T E R 2 0 2 2 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y every day under this generous health insurance coverage. Yet many don't actively seek help or guidance. Why is that, especially if it's so readily available to those who are insured? But what about coverage and counseling for those who don't qualify for benefits due to lack of union hours, or those who don't have insurance at all? These individuals should not have to suffer the consequences of neglected mental wellness practices on set. I believe it's time productions take a closer look at the benefits of empowering freelancers and employees alike with the knowledge and accessibility to mental health professionals to help reduce and eliminate the stigma. The old adage, "no pain, no gain," may have some truth to it, but gaining strength while working out our minds should not be so painful. Let's stop ignoring and start imploring as vocal advocates for mental health and wellness. The life it can change just might be your own. "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." –Oscar Wilde If you or someone you know is strug- gling, please contact: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255(TALK) MPI Participant Services Center: 855.275.4674 how we engage in self-care to manage our everyday thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In such stressful times, we need to practice daily self-care strategies and skills so that we can minimize burnout and fatigue. Taking walks, time off of work, taking vacations, and daily meditation are simple yet powerful ways we can take care of ourselves mentally. We often say to ourselves that we do not have enough time to do these things, but at what point do we give ourselves permission to be a priority?" Along with mental wellness, important topics like gender identity, race, and addiction are now being discussed more openly, so I'm grateful to have a platform such as the CAS Quarterly to freely share. Others should have the opportunity to share as well. I discovered that my MPI benefits allow up to 365 therapy sessions per year! You could talk to a mental health professional abuse and not just hope that it changes. We can find ways to love ourselves more, as much as we love our jobs. "A big theme of mine is the 'fear of the unknown.' Not wanting to say no because that next one might be 'the one'! I'd say, in my experience, I have grown into being more comfortable with not taking work on occasion and focusing on family time. I have leaned on my community of colleagues and share clients more often. On a bad day, I'll think running this business is crazy... but compared to what? Saying no to potential jobs, and sharing them with colleagues, is still scary. Just a little less with age." –Sergio Reyes-Sheehan, freelance sound mixer And finally, Dr. Alex J. Bunch PsyD MA LMFT has this to say: "In such unprecedented times, now more than ever, self-care is especially important. Specifically, we need to be attuned with Sergio Reyes-Sheehan Dr. Alex J. Bunch