Mental Health has been a growing concern in the last week as people all over the World deal with the psychological effects of both the Coronavirus as well as the psychological factors of being forced to stay at home.  Today on the Visit Portland Podcast, Part 1 of a series where we discuss the emotional toll that worry and stress can take on everyone, and focus on one of the Higher Risk populations, the Elderly.

Special Guest Wendy Coffman LCSW, LMFT joins the show to share a Mental Health Professional's guidance. On this Coronavirus special episode we discuss:

• In terms of COVID-19 anxiety in general and in the context of those that are under a “Stay at Home” order, what are the stress reactions or warning signs, and where do they get dangerous?
• How does this differ between Age, Sex, Marital Status, Presence of Children in the Home, low-income = widening inequalities etc
• How to recognize the Signs of Depression/Severe Anxiety in yourself or your loved one
• The particular risks of both the psychical threat of the virus and the disassociation to access to physical contact for the elder population.

On Part 2 of the series we will discuss another High Risk group, Health Care workers on the front lines.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to be alerted when this important episode is released.  As always, we ask you to share this widely as someone out there in your circle will benefit in hearing the information.

Here are a list of Resources available for the Elder Population specifically and the greater Public.

RESOURCES

Vets

VA Annie mobile application is a Short Message service (SMS) text messaging capability that promotes self-care for Veterans enrolled in VA health care.  Patients using Annie receive automated prompts to track and monitor their own health and motivational/educational messages.  Annie also sends broadcast messages from the patient’s local VA medical center.  Assists with medical and  mental health.  Ask local VA provider about.

PTSD Coach Online: offers a suite of 17 tools to manage symptoms like sadness and anxiety

VetChange: helps users set goals and work at their own pace to cut down on their drinking and deal with stress symptoms

Everyone

 Mindfulness Coach – Mindfulness has been shown to be helpful for reducing stress and coping with unpleasant thoughts and emotions.  It might include meditation practice but it is much more. Features include: Benefits of mindfulness; Mindfulness exercises to practice on own or with guidance; Strategies to help overcome challenges to mindfulness practice; Log of mindfulness exercises to track your progress; Reminders to support your mindfulness practice

 AIMS for Anger Management – to help manage anger and irritability.

• Veteran Crisis Line 800-273-8255
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Support in Spanish: 888-628-9454
  • Text: "HOME" to 741741
• Mental Health Crisis intervention line
  • 503-988-4888
  • Toll-free: 800-716-9769
  • Hearing-impaired dial: 711
• Lines for Life