Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
It has been more than a year since the World Health Organization declared a pandemic for COVID-19, a disease that has taken millions of people from a loved one. In the face of so much pain, fear and worry, it is almost instinctive to ask those around us or those we see again, "How are you feeling?" because after so much, mental health will be the priority to move forward to a "new normal".
And, focusing on negative thoughts and emotions can make coping even more difficult, as COVID-19 is changing everyone's daily life.
For many, it means adapting to unexpected changes in their daily routines, such as school, work, social or family life, and for others, it can be even more challenging when it involves having to put aside an important event, dealing with financial issues, pressures or coping with the loss of a loved one.
"Adjusting to these new realities and the uncertainties of the future can generate strong emotions in both adults and children that can sometimes be overwhelming. Nearly half of today's adults in the U.S. are experiencing increased distress," referred San Mateo County through the Health Department's website.
Therefore, taking care of mental health, as well as physical health, is an important aspect of maintaining the overall well-being of all residents, he says.
But what can you do?
In the face of feelings such as anxiety, stress, worry, and sadness, fortunately, there are things that can be done to maintain mental health and avoid harmful coping behaviors, such as substance use.
Healthy ways include practicing self-care, staying in touch, and asking for help when needed.
In that vein, San Mateo County is helping young residents stay well during this time through its "Crushing the Curve" program, a campaign designed to educate teens - and their parents or guardians - on how to stay healthy, mentally and physically, through the crushingthecurve.me website.
Talk to someone
The first thing you should know is that you are not alone. Therefore, if you or someone you know would like immediate emotional support, you can call one of the following confidential, toll-free crisis hotlines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: English (800) 273-8255. Spanish-speaking: (888) 628-9454. Deaf and hard of hearing: (800) 799-4889.
Chat with Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org
San Mateo County Crisis Hotline - and Drug and Alcohol Hotline: StarVista (650) 579-0350. Crisis Text Line Text BAY to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Call (800) 273-8255 or text 838-255, or chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Also, call the disaster hotline at (800) 985-5990, text TALKSWITHUS to 66746 or log on to www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.
For LGBTTTIQ+ youth, dial TrevorLifeline at (866) 488-7386 or text START to 678-678, or chat at www.thetrevorproject.org.
National Domestic Violence Hotline, (800) 799-7233 (SAFE), in Spanish at 1-800-787-3224; chat (Accessible in over 200 languages) at www.thehotline.org.
CORA - Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse:(800) 300-1080, www.corasupport.org
In case of psychiatric emergency
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, you can call or text 9-1-1, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you can get there safely.
Find a mental health and substance use treatment service
If you are a San Mateo County resident with Medi-Cal or are uninsured, you can call the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Access Call Center at (800) 686-0101, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711 or visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices.
And if you have a health plan through your employer or have private health insurance, call the number on your health plan membership card to find a provider.
Remember that by being well yourself, you will be able to help others to get through these times when we need each other. You are not alone.
