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Mental Health Resources

Battling Caution Fatigue
We are in our seventh month of dealing with this pandemic here in Vermont. By now, many of us are tired of taking the appropriate precautions to keep ourselves and others safe. Caution fatigue is just that - the idea of loosening up on the safety standards that are put in place, either because we are tired of our “new normal” or because no one around us actually has COVID-19. It’s important to not let this feeling get the best of us. Please remember to wear your mask, stay physically distant from others, and wash your hands properly and regularly.
For more information on Caution Fatigue, read the article linked below:
CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE
 
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
We know that there are many people having a hard time coping with the current challenges. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a great resource that provides comprehensive information about mental health, as well as resources about dealing with mental health or substance abuse. You'll find information about how to find help, including online treatment locations and telephone helplines that are available 24/7.
 
The SAMHSA website provides links to:
  • 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
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SAMHSA WEBSITE
 
Local Crisis Resources
If you find yourself in crisis, please consider the following local resources:

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.
 
VT Crisis Text Line
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.
 
Enjoy the Great Outdoors for your Mental Health
Try getting outside to exercise as a way to reduce your stress levels and boost your overall mental health! Spending 120 minutes each week outside can help you reduce anxiety and promote creativity. Adding a walk or other exercise can improve your heart health, too. It’s important to plan ahead for the weather and make sure that you are practicing physical distancing when going outside in public spaces.
 
Raising Teenagers: Creating Covid Health Awareness
Parenting teenagers is rewarding. But, as many folks know, it can also be complicated! That continues to be true during the current health crisis. Since Governor Scott has prohibited all multi-household gatherings, more stress is put on families to enforce preventative health measures. Our children’s worlds are getting smaller (again), putting more stress on families to enforce preventative health measures. Please click the link below for an article on how to support these conversations. The article was published in the Bennington Banner on November 11 2020 and written by Megan Gunn, MD, chair of the department of Pediatrics at SVMC:
 

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:

CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE

 

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. 

 

CLCIK HERE