Mental Health Resources
For more information on Caution Fatigue, read the article linked below:
- Finding help for Substance Use disorders (www.FindTreatment.gov), including specific locators for opioid addiction treatment facilities and methadone programs.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org)
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
- Resources for families coping with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders
United Counseling Services
UCS emergency service provides immediate assistance to individuals in crisis 24 hours a day. UCS emergency service also helps arrange more intense levels of care as needed, such as a hospital or short-term crisis bed.
24-Hour Emergency Service
UCS provides emergency mental health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For immediate assistance in a crisis, call 802-442-5491.
24-Hour Youth Hotline
Crisis workers on call for home visits (weekdays 8 am – 8 pm). For immediate help in a youth-related crisis, call Family Emergency Services (FES) 802-442-1700 or 1-800-360-6621.
Post-Emergency Supports
UCS provides support services to individuals during the difficult time period after an emergency has occurred.
The VT Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis in VT or nationally. Just text VT to 741741 from anywhere in Vermont to connect anonymously with a trained Crisis Counselor.
- Crisis counselors respond within 5 minutes through a secure platform
- You get an automated text response first, and then a response from a crisis counselor
- They work with you until you are cool and calm and have a positive plan for next steps
- Free for anyone and funded by private donations
- Staffed by volunteers who first undergo 34 hours of training and access to clinical supervision
- Their specialists are not therapists, but will help you with active listening which is empathetic, understanding and respectful.
COVID Support VT
If you or someone you know is struggling to connect with much-needed community resources, know that there are folks who can help!
COVID Support VT is a statewide program offering free and confidential emotional support and connections to resources for anyone needing help. They offer a wide range of supports on their website.
If you or someone you know could use some support coping with the pandemic, reach out to COVID Support VT. Call 2-1-1 to reach a Support Counselor.
For more see their self-care tips and resources flier and daily stress management plan.COVID-19 during winter: 8 things you can do to mentally prepare
Winter can be a difficult time for some people. Long, dark days coupled with cold weather and social isolation can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety or depression. The coming winter could be especially difficult as infectious disease experts recommend that we "hunker down" to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Proper preparation can help ease this transition and help you feel mentally ready for a pandemic winter. Click the link below for an article on 8 things to do to mentally prepare for a COVID-19 winter:
Social Connection and Physical Distance
Being socially connected and having a sense of belonging is crucial as research shows that these impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. There are many ways to interact while keeping your distance. Connecting with those in your immediate household can include ice fishing, snowshoeing, or even building a snowman. While connecting with those outside of your house might be more challenging this winter try using the phone, video chat, or even sending a letter. It is important that we talk, that we reach out for support, and reach out to support others. Even now, try to create those positive moments.
CLICK HERE FOR A RESOURCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT HEALTH NETWORK
CLICK HERE FOR A RESOURCE FROM THE VERMONT DEPT. OF MENTAL HEALTH
The Pandemic is Still Not Over
No one would have expected the pandemic would last this long, and everyone’s resilience is being tested. Routines have been interrupted, livelihoods at stake, and social supports provided in unconventional ways. But there is finally light at the end of the tunnel: the vaccine. Although progress is being made, the truth is that the pandemic is not over. It will take months before the majority of people are vaccinated. The usual safety measures are still necessary. We all have to continue to do our part in keeping each other and our community safe. Many people are noticing the effect the pandemic has had on their mental health. Here is a link to a website that provides a good summary of Mental Health resources and coping suggestions that can support you in times of need.
Connection During a Pandemic
The isolation that comes with the pandemic has made many folks feel a lack of connection and belonging. Luckily, there are many avenues of self-care that can help us stay grounded: exercising, Zooming with loved ones, getting fresh air, engaging in a fun activity, getting enough rest, seeking some supportive counseling and more. In addition to these strategies, an idea to embrace is practicing acts of kindness to others as a way to increase feelings of connection and improving mood! The below article explains the connection between kindness and wellness.
Managing Stress
As we pass the anniversary of the first identified COVID case in the country, it is important to recognize how chronic the stress associated with this enduring pandemic has been. Human beings are really good at dealing with acute stress, but dealing with chronic stress can be a very different experience. The article, linked below, focuses on the fatigue and hopelessness that can emerge and gives perspective on how common and normal these responses are in the given circumstances. The author also shares important reminders about what we can do to mitigate these experiences that are so prevalent in the population at this point.
Getting Outside to Benefit Mental Health
Getting outside is important for your mental health throughout the year. Vermont is full of outdoor winter activities, from sledding to skiing to ice fishing, that you can do while practicing physical distancing.
- Did you know that you can take out snowshoes from the Bennington Free Library with your free library card? They have two adult pairs and four children's pairs that you can borrow for a local walk or hike this winter.
- The Vermont Fish and Wildlife website can help guide you with all of the ice fishing basics.
- Riley Rink is a local indoor ice skating rink in Manchester, and there are other outdoor rinks throughout Southern Vermont.
- The SVSU Winter Fitness Festival starts February 8th. It includes free indoor and outdoor activities that you can complete with your family to win prizes.
It has been about a year since we started hearing about COVID-19 in the United States. The guidance on how to conduct our daily lives is constantly changing. While the arrival of the vaccination is an overwhelmingly positive development, many folks now have a new set of COVID-19-related questions. Please click the links below for resources that may clear up any questions you may have:
COVID Support VT
Things You Should Know from VT Dept. of Health
FAQ from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
As we know, social isolation is harmful to our health, but with Spring coming many can reduce isolation while still staying safe. As the weather is getting warmer, it is more pleasant to get outside for that walk or other types of physical activities. Even playing a board game outside on the porch can have health benefits. This is also the time to clean up your garden or start a new one. Another key piece to reducing isolation is to make sure you have identified your vital connections. Vital connections are people that are essential to your health and well-being. Finally, get creative and try something new to keep those connections. Share the same book, watch the same movie, or visit a new outdoor space. Have you seen the updated Stark Street Playground and pump track in Bennington? You can also check out one of the many trails Bennington has to offer.
This week was the first anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a World Pandemic. The amorphous nature of this disaster may make this anniversary feel different than other disastrous milestones. The anniversary of 9/11 promoted a communal sense of grieving and solidarity, whereas this anniversary may foster a sense of vague anxiety and isolation. The links below elaborate on this concept and gives 12 tips on how to manage and navigate this stressful time. A key point of both articles is that this pandemic is not a singular impactful event but
a series of unfolding personal events that have impacted everyone in a unique way, and that taking some time to reflect on your individual experiences is a normal and healthy part of the collective mourning.
For more information on the Second Step curriculum CLICK HERE.