Resources in Florida to help with Stress and Mental Health

Submitted by Noble William D. Wims, IP Masud Temple No. 69 Oasis of West Palm Beach

These are stressful times for everyone. But for children and adults who deal with mental, emotional and behavioral health issues, the Coronavirus pandemic presents additional challenges. Thank goodness for a state that comes to the aid of its neighbors. While many businesses have closed due to social distancing guidelines, people still need their medication, therapy, counseling, case management and support teams. Loss of access to these mental health services can lead to crisis situations or worse. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. among young people ages 10 to 34, and drug overdose is the leading cause for people under the age of 50. Both are preventable.

Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran’s services and childcare and family services. This online resource, provided by the Florida of Information and Referral Services (FLAIRS) and the Florida 2-1-1 Association, is your 24-hour source of information about more than 40,000 local health and community services in Florida. ing this database, just pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1 at any time for assistance. If your telephone service provider does not connect you when you dial 2-1-1’, use (866) 728-8445.

Stress from COVID-19 — along with stress related to health care, the economy, racism and the presidential election — is seriously threatening the mental health of our country, particularly our youngest generation, according to a new national survey from the American Psychological Association.

Helpful Hints in Managing Stress •Take breaks from news (TV, newspaper, social media, radio, internet and magazines). •Practice self-care, including eating nutritious food, exercising and getting plenty of sleep •Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate •Connect with others (Nobles/Daughters) about your concerns and how you are feeling

•Avoid alcohol and drugs

Helpful Link for COVID -19 Mental Health Assistance https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ downloads/hcp/fs-ten-clinical-tips.pdf

Noble William Wims is the CEO of New Horizons of The Treasure Coast and Okeechobee, the largest mental health and addiction recovery agency in the region.