This past year has been really hard. The COVID-19 crisis has had an effect on many people’s mental health. You or your loved one might need professional help. You might even be showing symptoms of a treatable mental health issue.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to find resources.
The Pandemic's Impact on Mental Health
It's been a hard year. Many people are experiencing situations, feelings, or mental health issues for the first time or more intensely.
4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic. This up from one in ten adults from January to June 2019. - National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
The impact has been more severe in adults aged 18-29. Anxiety increased to 65% and depression increased to 61%. - Translational Behavioral Medicine
PTSD can occur in anyone who experiences a traumatic event. Those who are experiencing stress from trauma events and possibly PTSD are:
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Healthcare workers
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First Responders
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Patients hospitalized with COVID-19
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Survivors of COVID-19
Even if a person didn't experience a traumatic event that leads to a PTSD diagnosis, they can still experience high stress from other difficult events.
Others who have been exposed to stress during the pandemic are frontline workers, essential workers, nursing home residents, pregnant women, nonpaid caregivers for adults, home-quarantined individuals, family members of deceased individuals, patients hospitalized without COVID-19, furloughed and unemployed individuals, minorities, youth, women, and parents.
It is more important than ever to take care of your mental health.
Caring for Your Mental Health
You might need professional help or even help to find the right resource. The 24/7 Hopeline is a local helpline staffed by real people.
24/7 HOPEline: 1-800-567-4673
Crisis Text Line: 741 741
Call it if you are in crisis, need to speak with someone about overwhelming feelings, or find local resources. You can also text 741 741.
If you don't need the Hopeline now, it's always here for you in the future.
Maybe you only need a few changes in your life to help your mental health. There are many ways to care for your mental health every day.
Practicing mindfulness can help your mental health! The MHRSB sponsored a local program on GTV Lima last year, Mindful Moments with Mike, to help people during the pandemic. Watch this one below to start.
Take a break from your phone and do a purposeful activity you enjoy!
Some hobbies or activities you might enjoy are reading, swimming, playing music, writing, sketching, running, cooking, knitting, walking, gardening, bird watching, playing catch, biking, coloring, and more.
You can call the Hopeline on behalf of a loved one. It's okay if you or someone else in your life needs professional help. Don't wait to call or visit wecarepeople.org for resources.
Take a Mental Health Screening
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a perfect time for a check-in on your mental health. Think of it as visiting your doctor for a yearly check-up.
You might even be showing symptoms of a treatable mental health issue and need professional help. A quick way to find out is to take a mental health screening. You can also take a screening on behalf of a loved one.
Take an anonymous screening at wecarepeople.org/screening.
There is no cost to the screenings. This tool is provided by public funding. This means it belongs to the community, to you. It’s yours to use whenever you want a check-in!
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties has local resources throughout our communities. There are many partnering agencies providing services you might need.
Find more resources and services at wecarepeople.org.
If you are in crisis call 1-800-567-HOPE (4673) or text 741 741.