Pennsylvania Mental Health Resources During Holidays, COVID

The lingering coronavirus pandemic and the holiday season could pose a dangerous one-two punch for Pennsylvanians living with mental health issues, according to state health officials.

With the holiday season upon us, Gov. Tom Wolf's office has shared resources for people with anxiety and depression, as well as others suffering from loneliness, isolation and other stressors.

"This year has challenged all of us in ways that we could not have anticipated, and whether you normally deal with feelings of depression or anxiety or you are experiencing these for the first time, your feelings are valid," said Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services Secretary.

"The holiday season and our family traditions will look different this year because it's what we must do to keep each other safe, but there can be a grief that comes from that. No matter what you are feeling this year, please know that you do not have to endure it alone. Talk to your loved ones, talk to your support network and don’t be afraid to make a call to resources that exist to help."

The governor's office noted that people with anxiety or depression often feel extra distress during the holidays. They urged all Pennsylvanians to be mindful of their mental health and seek help if they find themselves in need of it.

In Pennsylvania, the following mental health resources are available:

• The Department of Human Services' mental health support and referral line, Persevere PA, is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by skilled case workers who can counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other issues. The case workers can refer callers to resources in their communities if further help is needed. Persevere PA can be reached at 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
• If you or someone you love is in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by calling 1-800-273-8255. The line is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week by trained counselors who can offer free, confidential support. Spanish speakers who need immediate assistance can call 1-888-628-9454. Help can also be accessed through the Crisis Text Line by texting "PA" to 741-741.

Substance Abuse

The holidays also may be difficult for people with a substance use issue or people in recovery, especially if changes to their schedule or daily routine mean they are not able to access their support network in person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most dangerous time of the year for substance use and alcohol-related deaths are around the holiday months.

"We understand how difficult it is not being together with our loved ones during the holidays. However, it is essential that we stop all gatherings, even small gatherings, to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said Ray Barishansky, a deputy secretary at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. "We must not lose sight, however, of the opioid epidemic that still rages on in our communities. This is the time to enhance prevention and rescue strategies to be sure this trend does not continue. Together, we can all help each other."

• The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs maintains a toll-free line that connects callers looking for treatment options for themselves or a loved one to resources in their community. You can reach the Get Help Now line at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Thanksgiving. An anonymous chat service offering the same information to people who may not be comfortable speaking on the phone is available online at the department's website.
• Naloxone is still available to all Pennsylvanians through Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine’s standing order. Carrying the anti-overdose drug at all times can be a life-saver, state officials said. The Wolf Administration encourages all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the standing order to obtain Naloxone over the holidays. You may learn how to get naloxone at the state's website

Older Pennsylvanians

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Council on Aging recently released an interactive guide with information and resources to help older adults stay healthy, both mentally and physically. The guide, titled "SOLO: Strengthening Older Lives Online,"

"According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, from May to October of 2020, there was a 15 percent increase in the number of older adults who stated that their mental health has been negatively affected by COVID-19, with 25 percent of older adults stating that they feel anxiety or depression due to the pandemic," said Faith Haeussler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging.

"The PCoA’s own survey of older adults during the pandemic told us they are looking for community connection and open to using more communication technology. SOLO was designed to empower older adults to address and manage the multiple stressors of COVID-19 affecting mental and physical well-being."