Include Mental Wellness As Part Of Coronavirus Prevention

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — We’re washing our hands, we’ve stocked up on supplies as best we can, we’re wiping every surface we can possibly think of, we’re standing 6 feet apart when we’re not staying in our homes. What else can we do?

“In times of crisis, it’s important to think about mental wellness and the impact that a sense of prolonged anxiety can have on our overall health and perspective,” said Beth Menchen, licensed mental health counselor and senior clinical manager at Suncoast Center Inc., one of the member organizations that make up Zero Suicide Partners of Pinellas.

“There are many factors that impact how people respond to increased stress – previous experiences, their current health, family dynamics, finances and more,” said Menchen. “Including activities to promote mental health and wellness can help people cope with their feelings and better manage through any crisis. Our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical health.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these self-care tips to help promote emotional health and wellness:

• Take care of your body–Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation also can help.
• Connect with others– Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships and build a strong support system. If you are in self-quarantine or isolation, stay connected digitally to family and friends.
• Take breaks–Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Get outside when possible, within the requirements for keeping distance from others.
• Stay informed–When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis and seek reliable sources of information.
• Avoid too much exposure to news and social media–It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Take breaks from the news and social media to do enjoyable activities. Follow a routine as much as possible.

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“It’s essential to be aware of how stress is affecting you by taking your own emotional temperature,” said Menchen. “Ask yourself how you’re doing and be aware of how strong emotions are impacting you physically. Include a time to center yourself in your daily routine. It could be anything meaningful to you – meditation, prayer, a positive thought for the day or a walk.”

The CDC lists signs of stress as:

• Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear.
• Changes in appetite, energy and activity levels.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems and skin rashes.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Anger or short temper.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

People experiencing overwhelming emotional distress or who are having suicidal thoughts, should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, 211 Tampa Bay Cares or a counselor, primary care physician or faith leader. Place the number in your phone so that it’s easily available for anyone who needs it.

One important point Menchen noted was: “People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue their treatment and tell their counselor, therapist or doctor of any new or worsening symptoms.” Most medical providers and counselors are providing telehealth options that allow you to receive services without leaving your home.

As a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in crisis 24/7, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can connect callers with local resources to get the help they need.

“If you’re in distress, talk about it. Ask for help. Reach out to someone you trust,” said Menchen.

Zero Suicide Partners of Pinellas is an alliance of Pinellas area mental health and substance use treatment organizations, advocacy groups and government entities with the goal of reducing the rate of suicide in the community. They have worked together to develop a countywide system of care that works across all organizations to create a better safety net for individuals who are struggling and at risk of suicide. Participating organizations include:

• BayCare Health System
• Boley Centers
• Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg Inc.
• Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
• Community Health Centers of Pinellas Inc.
• Directions for Living
• Florida Department of Health, Pinellas County
• Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
• Pinellas County
• Gulf Coast Jewish and Family Community Services
• Metro Inclusive Health
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Pinellas County
• Operation PAR Inc.
• Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services (PEMHS)
• Pinellas County Government
• Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Board
• Pinellas County Schools
• Public Defender, Sixth Judicial Circuit
• Suncoast Center Inc.
• 211 Tampa Bay Cares
• Westcare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Kristin Mathre, KMathre@SuncoastCenter.org.