As we enter another week of staying at home, I wanted to share and re-share some important resources to help us cope with the mental and emotional aspects of this pandemic. Now more than ever, as the number of illnesses and death accelerate, it is critical that you stay at home. As our First Selectwoman and town Emergency Operation teams have instructed, please do not interact with anyone outside of your own home. When you must leave the house for groceries, medical needs and required work purposes, the new CDC guidance is to wear a cloth mask, primarily in order to protect others in the event you are an asymptomatic or presymptomatic carrier of the virus. When you are out, remember to maintain that 6 foot distance.
I know how hard it is to do what we are asking you to do. It goes against our desire to come together in times of struggle, and creates incredible mental, physical, emotional and spiritual stress, not to mention the economic strain. Now more than ever, we are going to need to lean on one another and may need to ask for help in ways that we have never done before. This might be uncomfortable for some of us and might be necessary for survival for others. We have seen in other countries that domestic violence and divorce rates have shot up, and we will be no different. The stress and sadness are real, but there is help available and there is always, always hope. We have included some resources below. You can also reach out to me directly and I will do everything I can to connect you with all available resources. You are not alone even if you are living alone and are isolated or living with others and feel along. We will get through this.
| For Adults
Mental health, domestic violence, suicide and addiction aren’t taking a vacation while we are all at home. In person meetings, groups and appointments are not available, but there are plenty of resources available virtually and online. While we practice social distancing to help #FlattentheCurve, remember it doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Reach out if you need help. Now more than ever we are learning to depend on one another for support and our well-being.
For Children and Teens
Self-care is so important and for those of you with children at home, helping them through this crisis is part of your role as well. Our community offers a number of amazing resources for anyone who needs help. I am honored to serve as the chair of Fairfield’s local prevention council, Fairfield CARES. Our volunteer team has assembled some helpful resources about how to speak with your young people about what is happening. You can find those links here, and follow Fairfield Cares on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for ongoing support and information during this time. The Hub CT is also a helpful resource, and serves as a clearinghouse for many local resources - and even has a multi-part "Coping with Corona" series. |
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| Be Heard
On Monday, April 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., two members of our statewide School Climate and Social and Emotional Learning Collaborative – of which I am an active participant – the Ana Grace Project at CCSU and Mark Brackett at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, are teaming to bring us a timely discussion, "Permission to Feel-A Chat with Marc Brackett." You can learn more about this Facebook Live event here. |
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Resource Reminder
- The Hub CT serves as a Clearinghouse for many local resources
- The Center for Family Justice is available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
- Domestic Violence Hotline – (203) 384-9559
- Sexual Assault Hotline – (203) 333-2233
- Suicide Prevention
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1(800) 273-TALK
- Prevent Suicide CT for information and resources
- Addiction / Recovery Resources
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As I have told you before, I am hear to help answer any questions I can, direct you to resources and even be a listening ear. So make sure to share this post and its resources with anyone who may need them, and encourage others to sign up for my emails that look similar to this.
Previous COVID-19 Updates:
