We prefer predictability, but we have been thrown into abnormal times.
The current COVID-19 crisis, coupled with the uncertainty and physical distancing, has many of us whirling in a myriad of thoughts and feelings. Experiencing stress, isolation and loneliness can cause many of us to feel anxious, withdrawn, helpless and even numb.
However, these feelings can be magnified for the one in five individuals who live with underlying behavioral health conditions like schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, bipolar depression, PTSD and substance use disorders. Understandably, anxiety can spike during these times, with the constant coronavirus media coverage and uncertainty we are facing. Yet, for the estimated 40 million Americans with underlying anxiety disorders, these events can trigger feelings of fear and lack of control. Social seclusion and loneliness can lead to depression. Chances are, you or someone you know has been directly or indirectly adversely affected by this crisis.
Remember: not all wounds are visible.
All this is why it is incredibly important to check in on others right now. Reach out to your neighbor, friend, co-worker, or family member, whether they live next door or across the country. Give them a phone call, send a text or email, or put a letter in the mail — anything to show them that you care about how they are doing. Remember: just because we can’t be close to each other physically doesn’t mean we can’t stay in touch with each other at all.
To be healthy as a whole, our mentality plays a very vital role. Our first priority and goal should be to improve the well-being of those in our care and community. There are opportunities for instant help, created specifically for the COVID-19 epidemic, that are listed at the end of this article. We have dedicated and devoted partners who have changed their entire structure to give assistance and hope.
The coronavirus can be a wake-up call for every human being to spread kindness and support. The key to a better tomorrow and a better world is to take steps together with genuine, heartfelt and empathetic understanding, unbiased awareness and a courageous willingness to openly talk about conditions of mental health.
So exercise your heart and reach out to serve others. Check on others and offer support and encouragement to be positive and enjoy the simple things. You may be surprised by the joy felt in this sense of purpose. This pandemic will surely change who we are and how we think. However, we will not only suffer to survive but flourish to thrive. YOU are NOT alone.
Please visit chathamnc.org/mentalhealth and chathamnc.org/recovery for a list of local mental health and substance use disorder providers and resources. All providers listed accept Medicaid and/or have a sliding scale for qualifying individuals for their services. Telehealth therapy or counseling, through your phone or video-based services, are also being offered by many providers right now to help accommodate everyone’s changing needs. Other resources across North Carolina and the country are listed below. Most of these services are free of charge and available to anyone.
Another webpage, chathamnc.org/coronavirushelp or chathamnc.org/coronavirusayuda, has a number of resources to help members of the Chatham community with things like mental health, food and nutrition, and other supports. Please also check out these resources:
• Know that you are not alone: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-TALK/1-888-628-9454 (Ayuda en Espanol). Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis support through text messaging.
• Counseling for healthcare professionals and essential workers: Hope4Healers Helpline Call 919-226-2002 24/7 for mental health and resilience support for health care professionals, emergency medical specialists, first responders, childcare, other staff who work in healthcare settings and their families who are experiencing stress from being on the front lines of the state’s COVID-19 response. A licensed mental health professional will follow-up.
• Hope4NC Helpline: 1-855-587-3463 connects all North Carolinians with a real person for additional mental health and resilience support 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
• The Hope Line: A toll-free line has been established for older adults experiencing isolation. Call 1-866-578-4673.
• Cardinal Innovations: Call **ASK (**275) to connect individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis to the right help. A representative will respond within seconds 24/7.
• Get addiction support: SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
• Support for LGBTQ community: TrevorLifeline offers a suicide prevention counseling service for LGBTQ teens. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
• Get help with domestic violence: Chatham County offers an around-the-clock crisis phone line for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. Call (919) 545-STOP (7867). The National Domestic Violence Hotline has trained counselors available by phone 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and by chat at www.thehotline.org.
Elizabeth Fridley is a Public Health Nurse and Anna Stormzand is a Public Health Educator with the Chatham County Public Health Department.