Open San Diego, Open Feelings
Tips and Resources to Support Mental Well-Being
Open schools, changing mask rules—it’s what we’ve all been waiting for, right? Change can be hard though, and many people feel like they were just getting comfortable with social distancing. Things are reopening, but many of us are out of practice. Small talk, office meetings, even seeing friends in person can all feel strange.
If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, or is struggling with substance use as COVID-19 restrictions lift, keep scrolling for tips and resources to help cope.
-
It’s Okay to Not Feel Okay
Listening and supporting one another can be one of the most helpful things to do when we’re feeling emotional pain. You deserve to open up about your feelings. Call the Access & Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.
-
Together Again
Spending time with family, seeing friends, going on dates… These are all important parts of caring for our mental health, but many people still feel “weird” or “off” going outside again.
-
Family Life After COVID-19
Many San Diegan families are feeling worried about being apart after this year and a half together—and that’s natural. As spouses return to work and kids head to school, it’s easy to feel isolated from your support system. Reach out for mental health support to help keep your family happy and mentally well.
-
Older Adults Experiencing Increased Isolation
Older adults have been facing especially difficult challenges this past year. Increased risk of COVID-19 and social distancing have caused widespread feelings of isolation, and many are dealing with grief as close friends were lost to the virus. 46% of older adults report that the pandemic has affected their mental health, and 2 in 3 now have difficulty falling asleep.
-
Substance Use Support
Mental health and substance use very often go hand in hand, especially during times of extreme stress. In fact, 40% of US adults reported struggling with mental health challenges or substance use during the pandemic. If you feel like you may be struggling too, you’re not alone.
Think about the reasons your substance use may have increased:
It might not be realistic to expect things to feel the same after the past year and a half, so now is a chance to try something new. Here’s a list of activities you can do to shake things up.
Reach out to older adults who may feel alone and let them know that you’re here for them. Here are some tips on reaching out.
And if you’re an older adult experiencing these challenges, it’s okay to talk about it. Call the Access & Crisis Line today at (888) 724-7240. There are people here for you.
-
Overwhelmed or stressed out?
-
Feeling isolated?
-
Wanting time to pass quickly?
-
Social Stressor
If you are experiencing challenges with substance use, reach out for support. Help is available.
-
Dealing with Financial Stress
Many San Diegans are still suffering from job losses and cut hours, and the stress can easily affect your mental health. Luckily there are a number of support programs that might be able to lighten your burden while you get back on your feet. The resources below can help and support your mental well-being.
-
Health Care Workers and First Responders
The work has always been challenging, and working through the pandemic means many health care workers and first responders are feeling overwhelmed. Tensions, mental exhaustion, and anxiety, can all take a toll.
-
Over 50% of health care workers are experiencing compassion fatigue.
-
3 out of 4 health care workers are experiencing emotional exhaustion.
-
First Responders are 5 times more likely to experience depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
-
Adapting to College Life
As schools reopen for in-person sessions, there are still many questions left unanswered. New rules, difficulty focusing, finding new social circles, and feeling out of place are just a few of the challenges that returning students face.
Many students have reported that this past year has dramatically affected their mental health. If you’re feeling worried, depressed, or anxious about returning to school, know that you’re not alone, check out bailcobailbonds.com, bail bond company in Connecticut can help you.
-
Race, Ethnicity, and COVID-19’s Impact
The Latinx, Black, and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in San Diego have all been disproportionately hit by COVID-19, leading to feelings of frustration and fear. Racial inequality has also become more visible over the past year.
Healthcare workers have done amazing work this past year. Now, it’s time to take care of yourself, too. There are many resources dedicated to helping health care workers with their mental health, so please remember that you deserve to feel better, too.
There is confidential behavioral health support for First Responders: Fire Captain Ryan J. Mitchell’s First Responders Behavioral Health Program. The program provides a hotline and education on behavioral health and substance use disorders. Call 1-833-YU-FIRST or check out the site.
Luckily there are mental health resources dedicated to serving and supporting the needs of all our communities.