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Overwhelmed? Here Are Some Ways To Ask For Help
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Feeling stressed and overwhelmed during the pandemic? Well, you're not alone. Many are struggling with the feelings that come with illness, isolation, and losing a job.
That's why L.A. County's Department of Mental Health Services has added extra staff to its 24-hour crisis hotline.
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer says now is the time to reach out.
"We can be physically apart from each other, but socially, we need to connect. oftentimes, just being able to connect with each other takes away some of the isolation of being so alone and not having your job, which for many of us is also part of our identity."
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But Ferrer says, ultimately, it's important to ask for help. For 24-7 assessment, referrals, and emergency crisis counseling, people in Los Angeles County can call 1-800-854-7771. And nationwide, help is at nami.org.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO ASK FOR HELP
Sometimes it's just not feasible to navigate the tricky anxiety, depression, isolation and trauma by yourself. For those who have underlying mental health conditions, for those who have experienced past traumas, for people on the frontlines in medicine, and for people who are lonely, this moment can be especially tough. But there are a number of free, confidential resources to turn to for help. Here are a few:
- Steinberg Institute website, links to mental health resources and care throughout California, https://steinberginstitute.org/links-research-care/
- Institute on Aging's 24/7 Friendship Line (especially for people who have disabilities or are over 60), 1-800-971-0016 or call 415-750-4138 to volunteer. https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
- The Crisis Text Line, Text "HOME" (741-741) to reach a trained crisis counselor.
- California Psychological Association Find a Psychologist Locator,
- https://www.cpapsych.org/page/find
- Psychology Today guide to therapists, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Some psychologists will work with people for free or reduced rates, if needed, given the challenging times.
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