Dear Reader,
During this uncertain time, it can be normal to be anxious, worried, stressed out.
While we can’t control the world around us, we can control how we respond to those emotions.
To quote Albus Dumbledore: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Below is a list of resources in WNY, New York and at the national level for you.
If there are additional resources or services for mental health care not included on this list or if you want to share how you are taking care of your mental health, please email me at Camalot.Todd@Charter.com.
I will be postponing our #IAm1in5 Facebook Live Chats and office hours for now.
—Camalot K. Todd
Resources in WNY:
Erie County: The county released a resource guide for different mental health services in the community.
Mental Health Advocates of WNY: While their physical office is shut down, MHA of WNY released a 10-step plan for wellness in anxious times.
Crisis Services: Crisis Services operates a 24-hour 7-day hotline at 716-834-3131 or visit their website.
Crisis Services Executive Director Jessica Pirro discussed how to talk to your children about COVID-19 and how to stay mentally healthy when working from home with Spectrum News. Throughout the next weeks, we will be running separate stories with her on different aspects of mental health.
NAMI Buffalo & Erie County: The nonprofit that helps caregivers, families, and friends of people with mental illness will continue operating its helpline 716-226-6264, press 1. The organization can also help find resources.
Compeer: The WNY nonprofit aims to help comfort and connect people who may be dealing with isolation.
Resources in New York:
New York State Office of Mental Health: OMH released a guide for people to cope with the psychological needs during the outbreak of COVID-19.
This guide includes tips for the following populations:
- For Everyone
- For Individuals Receiving Mental Health Services
- For Parents, Including Parents of Children with Pre-Existing Anxiety Disorders
- For Caregivers of Elderly Individuals
- For Mental Health Providers
Resources Nationally:
CDC: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a guide on how to manage stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released several different resources guides including disaster preparedness for behavioral health to more in-depth guides on substance treatment and telemedicine.
Mental Health America: Mental health concerns will affect the general public, the one in five people who struggle with mental health conditions already and the one in two who are at risk of developing a mental health condition.
Mental Health America is monitoring the increase in anxiety as this pandemic continues and they developed an extensive list of resources to help.