Community Solutions’ recent survey of groups across Ohio indicated that, despite the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), more than 75 percent of respondents are “very concerned” about the well-being or mental health of their clients, compared to 35 percent who are “very concerned” about themselves.
“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” said Dr. Amy Acton.
In Governor Mike DeWine’s May 5 press conference, Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health, indicated similar concern about the well-being—physical, mental, emotional and economic—of Ohioans.
“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” she said. “A pandemic shows chinks in our armor. A lot of us are struggling.” She cited a new study by Kaiser Permanente showing a 1,000 percent increase in people reaching out for help, and expressed concern about the mental health system being able to absorb all the stress people are feeling.
After saying that it helps to talk with someone, she encouraged Ohioans to take advantage of free mental health resources offered by the state.
Reach out for help:
- Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting Talk With Us to 66746.
- Reach the Ohio Crisis Text Line* by texting keyword 4HOPE to 741 741.
- Reach the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Help Line* at 1.877.275.6364
- Find a provider at https://findtreatment.gov.*These functions will remain operational and staffed.
Acton concluded, “We all need each other right now. Don’t give up hope.”
