Over the years, Discovery Vitality members have been very vocal about the changes in how you earn points, and what devices you can use to do so.

Many of the complaints have centred around how it’s become harder to achieve the same number of points, but here’s a little boost for those who enjoy catching extra shut-eye and aligning their chakras.

Finally, something for us layabouts.

From next year, Discovery Vitality will start rewarding members who look after their mental health, reports Business Insider SA:

Discovery Vitality CEO Dinesh Govender said its mental health well-being programme will launch at the beginning of 2020 at no additional cost to members.

Govender said their research showed that people suffering from mental illness are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with preventable chronic conditions.

“Vitality strongly encourages physical health, and there is a strong link between mental health and physical health,” Govender told Business Insider South Africa.

“In keeping with the emphasis on promoting behaviours that improve physical health and prevent illness, Vitality also aims to promote those factors that improve mental well-being.”

Each member will be asked to complete a mental well-being assessment every six months, which Discovery will then evaluate before offering recommendations and possible interventions.

These include:

• telephonic counselling through the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) which will be available 24 hours a day
• clinical referrals in line with an individual’s medical aid benefits
• sleep 7 hours a day for 4 days a week, tracked through partner sleeping application
• meditate 10 minutes a day for 3 days a week, tracked through partner mental application.

Not to make light of the first two, because mental health is a serious issue that has been unfairly stigmatised and maligned over the years, but it would be grand if Discovery could write a sick note to your boss about how you need more sleep.

Members who fill out the assessments, and then achieve their mental well-being goals, will be rewarded:

…they will be rewarded with Discovery Miles which can be used to buy Active Rewards such as coffees and smoothies, buy at Discovery’s retail partner network, pay for flights, or it can be converted into cash.

Members can earn over 1000 Discovery Miles a year for reaching mental well-being goals, Govender said.

Govender said that while the benefit might be free, some interventions such as applications, doctor and psychologist visits may cost money.

All in all, sounds like a step in the right direction, because taking care of their mental health is something far too many South Africans are willing to overlook.

I do get a kick out of watching Discovery Vitality members go on about their free smoothies from Kauai, though. It’s a smoothie people, and you’re paying Discovery somewhere around R2 000 a month – please, get a grip.

Also, if you are struggling with depression, you’ll find free assistance here.

[source:businsidersa]