Join us for this amazing relaxation event.

'HOPE LINE' CONNECTS DELAWAREANS TO HELP FOR HANDLING STRESS, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

NEW CASTLE (May 15, 2020) - The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) has launched a phone line dedicated to helping Delawareans cope with stress and address behavioral health needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Delaware Hope Line - 1 (833) 9-HOPEDE or (833) 946-7333 - is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to connect callers to a variety of resources and information, including support from clinicians and peer specialists plus crisis assistance. The Hope Line, which is free, provides a single point of contact for individuals to tap into DSAMH's range of services and resources.

Delawareans can also get behavioral health tips and reminders by texting DEHOPE to 55753.

The spread of COVID-19 and the social and economic impacts of mitigation efforts imposed to control the virus are expected to result in increased rates of mental health disorders and substance use disorders, along with deaths associated with suicide, overdose, and violence, especially domestic violence.

"Now more than ever, we are called to find ways to offer hope and a helping hand to one another," said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. "The Hope Line will help Delawareans who may be struggling with loneliness from social isolation; anxiety from the uncertainty of these times; or the stress of having to manage with limited resources. This is a time when no one has to struggle alone. We can find ways to be together in our common goal to keep Delawareans healthy and strong."

"Though these public health mitigation efforts are necessary to help limit the transmission of the virus and the loss of life due to COVID-19, we know such measures will expose people to situations such as isolation and job loss that are linked to poor mental health outcomes," said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. "Anxiety is common, as people fear that they or their loved ones will get sick. Plus, we know that many of us are uncertain about all of the repercussions associated with this pandemic."

According to a recent poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half of Americans report that the coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health. And Mental Health America reported that since February, the number of people screening positive for moderate to severe anxiety and depression jumped by an additional 18,000 people compared with January. Resources and services are also available through DHSS' behavioral health support website, HelpIsHereDE.com

"Based on the anticipated surge of mental health and substance use disorders related to the coronavirus crisis, we want to make people aware of the Hope Line so that we can help as many people as possible, when they are ready to receive it," said Elizabeth Romero, DSAMH director. "We are living in extraordinary times requiring everyone to cope in different ways."

The Hope Line will increase access to support for Delawareans experiencing mental fatigue, emotional distress, mental health issues, or addiction, Romero said, and to help them from feeling alone or in despair. "Our peer specialists and clinicians are here to provide a safe space for confidential therapy or coaching for those who need it, and they will link callers to appropriate services. We are grateful to partner with many behavioral health providers across the state to help in this crisis."

A.J. Schall Jr., director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), emphasized the critical importance of resources such as the Hope Line. "During times of change and crisis we cannot forget about the need for mental health, not only to navigate existing challenges that people face but also for our statewide disaster and crisis-planning efforts to help those who need it most to adapt safely," Schall said.

May is national Mental Health Awareness Month. A broad body of research links social isolation and loneliness to poor mental health. This may be particularly pronounced among older adults and households with adolescents, as these groups are already at risk for depression or suicidal thoughts.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Have you ever found yourself unprepared for a life changing event?  This webinar, presented by Delaware Elder Law Center and supported by the Brain Injury Association of Delaware, will review areas surrounding preparation for special needs in the legal realm.  A sample of topics to be discussed include:    estate planning for persons with disabilities, long-term care Medicaid, and resources for caregivers to name a few.

 

With so many challenges happening in today's world, take a moment to read Shannon's story of inspiration and determination.  Help BIAD continue helping survivors and caregivers throughout Delaware today by donating to https://www.biaofde.org/donate

Shannon M. Simons, Survivor

Shannon Simons is a 44-year-old resident of Magnolia, Delaware.  He currently teaches at Alexis I DuPont High School in Wilmington and at Delaware Technical Community College.  At the young age of 18, Shannon was involved in a life-changing car accident outside of Shinglehouse, PA, his hometown.  After his car made impact with a tree, he was found unconscious by a passerby who revived him and alerted neighbors that help was needed.  He was taken to the nearest hospital, but had to be Mercy-Flighted to Robert Packer Memorial Hospital in Sayre, PA.  He was listed in critical condition and assessed for brain trauma, a crushed left elbow, and right broken collar bone.  Nine of Shannon’s teeth were crushed into his upper palate of his mouth cavity.  He was unable to walk and fell often due to his conditions.  He was later transferred to Lake Erie Institution of Rehabilitation where he stayed for several weeks.  He received cognitive, speech, occupational, and physical therapies to help him return to a level of independence that allowed him to go home, graduate from high school and head off to college at Mansfield University.  He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and academic minor in Criminal Justice Administration.  He later earned his Master’s degrees in Education and Educational Leadership from Wilmington College (University).

These are fantastic resources for parents of school-aged children with disabilities. Thank you PIC and DLP for putting this together.

A clinical psychology doctoral student at Loyola University Maryland, and daughter of a TBI survivor is conducting research and needs your help. The primary purpose of this study is to better understand what specific factor(s) place spouses and partners of an individual who has suffered a TBI at the greatest risk for developing and/or sustaining caregiver burden. They are looking at the relationships prior to and after the TBI. If you are interested and qualify, please contact the Principal Investigator, Paige Victorine, M.S., by email: pvictorine@loyola.edu. You may also contact her faculty advisor, Dr. Christopher Higginson, at cihigginson@loyola.edu.

Did you know that the Vet Center has behavioral health counseling available for veterans, service members, and their families? Services range from individual and group counseling to family counseling, bereavement (grief) counseling, and military sexual trauma counseling. They also have assessments and referrals for substance abuse. Please reach out to them at 302-225-9110. If you need help after hours, call 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387). Remember, we all can get through this together, we just need to ask for help.

Do you need assistance during this time? Don't be afraid to ask. Remember, we are all in this together.

Take advantage of this free webinar from the Brain Injury Association of America: Managing Stress as a TBI Caregiver. This webinar discusses the common difficulties faced by caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Visit https://bit.ly/39PU70p and use the promo code WEBWEDCAR20 to redeem your free download!