Resources - Mental Health & COVID-19

April 16, 2020

While many of us are still learning to adapt to the new daily changes, it is understandable that stress and anxiety may take an inevitable toll and I want to share some important resources that can help with coping with the mental and emotional impact of this pandemic.

Now, more than ever, as the number of illnesses and death accelerate, it is critical that you stay at home. If you must leave the house for groceries, medical needs or required work purposes, the new CDC guidance is to wear a cloth mask. This is not only for your own protection, but for the benefit of those around you. When you are out, remember to maintain that 6 foot distance!

There is help available, and below I am sharing several resources that I hope are helpful to you or someone you know.

Behavioral Health and COVID-19:
A Community Conversation Tonight, Thursday, April 16, at 7 PM

The forum will also be streamed live on CHC's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CHCInc

Register Here

Women and Family Life Center are accepting COVID-19 Response Fund applications. Please click here to download the application.

For Families:

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.

AARP Community Connections: Feeling socially isolated? Older adults can request a phone call from an AARP volunteer, Monday – Friday, 9AM to 5PM EDT by leaving their information at 1-888-281-0145 or submitting a request online here. If you need help with picking up groceries, finding financial assistance or to find a support network near you, please contact me at robin.comey@cga.ct.gov.

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH): The Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990) provides immediate crisis counseling and help to individuals nationwide who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of a natural or man-made disaster, or incidents of mass violence. The Helpline is available 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. The Helpline connects callers to professionals from the closest crisis counseling center in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. Individuals can call or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746. Other Talklines: For a list of other talklines/helplines that are available to individuals needing support, click here.

For Children and Teens

Mobile Crisis Intervention for Youth (MCI): 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. CI services for youth delivers a range of crisis response services to children and adults. MCI clinicians have mostly stopped going out and doing mobile visits with youth due to COVID-19. However, they are still available for phone intervention and support. To access MCI services for youth, dial 2-1-1 anytime of day to be connected. For a list of the MCI programs that serve both adults and youth, view it here on 211ct.org.

The Hub CT is a helpful resource, and serves as a clearinghouse for many local resources - and even has a multi-part "Coping with Corona" series.

Resource Reminder

  • 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
  • BHCare: BHcare Branford: 203-483-2630 - they provide an integrated system of care for adults, children and families who are struggling with mental health issues, substance use issues, and domestic violence.
  • 211 CT United Way of Connecticut - 2-1-1 is a program of United Way of Connecticut and is supported by the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways. 2-1-1 is your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more.
  • Healthy Lives CT provides information and tools in the areas of emotional wellness, physical wellness, holistic wellness, financial wellness, and recovery from addiction issues.
  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people dealing with emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. A multilingual, confidential crisis support service is available to all US and territory residents at 1-800-985-5990; TEXT: “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
  • This flyer has helpful tips and the contact info.

Managing stress and uncertainty during the days ahead will be an important step in remaining healthy, safe and strong. Continue to wash your hands, cover your cough or sneeze and know the symptoms.

Please note that you can also reach out to me directly at robin.comey@cga.ct.gov and I will do everything I can to connect you with all available resources.

I am thinking of all of you during this difficult time.