A Bermudian-based medical insurer has introduced the Employee Assistance Programme as a value-added benefit to provide increased mental wellness support for its eligible members who are faced with pressures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coralisle Group Ltd said one development during the pandemic has been the growing number of people seeking help for their mental wellbeing.

CG cited surveys conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control in 2019 and in August last year that showed that symptoms of anxiety had tripled and symptoms of depression had quadrupled.

The company said that mental health referrals around the world are soaring, and the causes are well understood: job losses, diminished paycheques, economic displacement and lost opportunity, isolation due to lockdowns and social distancing, and the profound impact of grief for loved ones lost.

CG added that surveys and opinions in countries large and small substantiate what is now seen as an emerging mental health crisis.

Since the declaration of the pandemic one year ago, CG said it has monitored its impact in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

In November, it took action, introducing the EAP for eligible members with comprehensive health insurance cover.

The EAP is a free, 24/7 service offering member support for any work or personal issue. The programme is confidential, providing counselling and access to various resources to help people manage their emotional, practical and physical needs.

Beth Frazier, CG’s chief operating officer for health, said: “Adding this programme to our members’ available resources was a vital step for us to take because so many people are struggling to cope with pressures from the pandemic.

“In our daily interactions with our client base, we have seen and heard the need for additional support for mental health, financial counselling and physical wellness. It is important that we listen and respond to these needs in a way that’s easily accessible for our clients.”

CG said its EAP is available everywhere that CG operates and there are no charges or co-pays for its services.

The company said it is the only programme of its kind available through a medical insurer in Bermuda, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Barbados. Confidentiality is maintained within the organisational confines of the EAP and its independent professional staff, CG said.

The company said the EAP initiative reflects CG’s expanding commitment to the concept of wellness. Its longstanding ‘Zest Wellness’ programme, for example, has brought forward a new focus on mental health through its virtual content, including webinars, podcasts and annual health conference, its meditation series with Deepak Chopra and its recently launched ‘Mindful Leader Programme’, featuring Michael Apollo, an international expert in workplace mindfulness.

Jacqueline Perreault, CG’s corporate wellness director, said: “Mental health programmes are surpassing physical activity programmes for the first time, and requests by our members for more support in this area substantiate the trend.

“As a result, we will continue raising awareness and creating important new levels of support through coaching, workshops and educational content, and partnering with local and international mental health experts.”

Ms Frazier said CG’s EAP and wellness initiatives were reflective of the company’s people-first approach to business.

She added: “The closer we are with what’s happening in the lives of our members, the better we are able to support them. It’s better for them, better for us and better for the communities we live in.”

Should any current CG medical members question their eligibility for this programme, the company said they are advised to contact their local customer service representative for details.