by: Patricia Seaver, L.M.S.W.
COVID-19, being the unprecedented pandemic that turned all of our worlds upside down, had significant impacts on many individual’s mental health. An increase in symptoms of depression or anxiety, for example, in response to sudden social isolation, added responsibilities such as home schooling, and the economic impacts both in micro and macro ways, were not uncommon focus points of supports needed from many who contacted Mental Health Connecticut’s Information Line. Aside from lifestyle adjustments, many experienced grief and frustration from the staggering losses from COVID-19 related deaths and the added obstacles of limitations to how many were able to honor or visit their loved ones.
It is not hard to find empathy for those struggling with mental health conditions in response to the experience of COVID-19. The best way of supporting one that is struggling is to be proactive in obtaining necessary supportive resources.
Resources
Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) Information Line
MHC’s toll-free number offers Connecticut residents information about support groups, mental health information, behavioral health services across the life span, crisis services, and other mental health resources that may be helpful as one travels along the path of recovery. To access this free service, contact 1-800-842-1501 or information@mhconn.org.
COACH (COVID-19 Assistance for Community Health)
COACH provides FREE community support and outreach services in Connecticut in response to the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19. This program is made possible through grant funding provided by FEMA. COACH is here to connect you with resources to keep your family safe and healthy. Support coaches can put you in touch with services that can help, or listen if you want to talk with someone about how this pandemic is affecting you. For more information, visit https://ctstronger.org/coach/ or call 2-1-1.
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
Find services and resources for DMHAS Supports in your region by clicking on the region’s link next to your town’s name: https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-Services/Finding-Services/Finding-Services
Action Line (DMHAS)
What is ACTION and how can it benefit me? The Mission of the ACTION line is to not only offer immediate support to individuals in moments of distress or crisis, but to also ensure continuum of care through linking individuals with available services and supports in the community.
The ACTION line (Adult Crisis Telephone Intervention and Options Network) is a centralized phone number answered by 2-1-1 staff trained to offer an array of supports and options to individuals in distress, including: telephonic support, referrals and information about community resources and services; warm-transfer to the Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) of their area; and when necessary, direct connection to 911.
The ACTION line is free and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year (24/7/365) with the availability of multilingual staff or interpreters as needed. The centralized line is available to provide after-hours coverage for mobile crisis providers throughout the state. Visit: https://uwc.211ct.org/actionline/ for more details.
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)
Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
National Helpline treatment referral and information service: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Treatment Locators
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
Find a Health Center: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Warm Lines
Warm Lines are telephone support services staffed by people who have experience/expertise with mutual support. These lines are not crisis lines and the days/hours of operation vary. To locate a local warm line in CT, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-Services/Advocacy/Warm-Lines
