Pandemics can be stressful

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Worsening of mental health conditions.
• Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

Take care of your mental health

You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.

Get immediate help in a crisis

• Call 911
• Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon.
• National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
• National Child Abuse Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
• National Sexual Assault Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chatexternal icon
• The Eldercare Locatorexternal icon: 1-800-677-1116  TTY Instructionsexternal icon
• Veteran’s Crisis Lineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chatexternal icon or text: 8388255

Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health

• SAMHSA’s National Helplineexternal icon: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
• Treatment Services Locator Websiteexternal icon
• Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centersexternal icon

Additional information available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is currently recruiting for staff RN positions to work in the Behavioral Health Pavilion. Click on the links below to read job descriptions and information on how to apply.

Staff RN – Nursing BH8A Adolescent Unit

Staff RN – BH7B Child Unit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 17, 2020

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio Commends Governor DeWine for Expanding Telehealth

In Response to COVID-19 Crisis, NAMI Ohio appreciates increased access to behavioral health providers as the demand for crisis intervention continues to grow.

Columbus, Ohio – NAMI Ohio applauds this extension of telehealth services that will broaden the ability of people to access counselors, social works and other health professional that will help many endure during the COVID-19 crisis. “The benefits of telehealth since the beginning of the COVID-19 have been immeasurable, with individuals, families and children being able maintain contact with their physicians, counselors and case managers,” said Terry Russell, Executive Director of NAMI Ohio. He also stated, “Crisis hotlines for mental health services have seen a 1000% increase in calls since April with telehealth services being a lifesaving link to those needing access to mental health services and supports.

Governor Mike DeWine signed a new order expanding telehealth in Ohio saying ‘the hopes are that people who need mental, physical and behavioral health can get the help they need with this order.’ DeWine announced the executive order will broaden the ability of people to access counselors, social workers, and marriage and family counselors.

The COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming our communities and our health care system, including adding greater demands for mental health care. Before the telehealth was offered to providers of behavioral health services, a person would have had a face-to-face first meeting, and counselors and social workers would be required to take special training to provide telehealth services. Maintaining access to care and supports is critical for the people with mental health conditions in Ohio, as well as those who may now need help due to isolation, grief, unemployment, increased anxiety, and more resulting from this crisis. Our community needs more mental health care, not less. Like many of the recent changes and use of technology, the use of telehealth has allowed those receiving services to continue getting help toward recovery and treatment while allowing providers a safe alternative to face to face interactions.

Media Contact
Luke Russell
614-224-2700
Luke@namiohio.org