Coping with Strees of COVID-19: Town of New Canaan Offers Support, Resources, Tips

As a community, we are all dealing with the physical aspects of the novel coronavirus (social distancing, working from home, etc.).  For many, this has led to increased stress, anxiety and fear.  We want to make sure all residents have mental health resources available if needed.

Stay Connected

Seek support from family, friends, mentors, clergy and neighbors. Be flexible and creative in accessing support via phone, email, text messaging and video calls.

Cultivate Ways to be Calm

It is understandable to feel anxious and worried about what may happen, especially when many aspects of life are being affected.  If you get more stressed by watching the news then reduce your exposure especially right before bedtime.  While our current situation can be stressful try to offset it with positive calming activities.  Practice slow steady breathing and muscle relaxation as well as other actions that are calming for you (yoga, exercise, music, etc.).

We are not going through this alone. We are experiencing these events along with the rest of the country and the world.  The most important things in our lives are the people who care about us.  Don’t lose sight of those important relationships during this period of uncertainty.  They will be powerful aids in getting you through almost anything.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY OF NEW CANAAN DURING A PANDEMIC

Town of New Canaan Human Services Department:

For Birth to Age 18 or Family Issues with children under 18 -Jacqueline D'Louhy, LCSW, Town of New Canaan Youth and Family Services Coordinator  203-594-3081 or Jacqueline.dlouhy@newcanaanct.gov

For 18 and Older, disabled and older citizens -Bethany Zaro, RN, MPH, Town of New Canaan Interim Director of Human Services & Adult/Senior Outreach Worker 203-594-3093 or Bethany.zaro@newcanaanct.gov

OTHER RESOURCES:

New Canaan CARES asks that you please reach out with questions or concerns to caresinfo@newcanaancares.org. For videos and slides of past presentations as well as other resources/links please visit the website at https://newcanaancares.org/resources/

New Canaan Public Schools:  For all school related concerns please contact your child's administrator, teacher, counselor, social worker or psychologist during school hours.   Appropriate contact numbers can be found on the individual school websites.  This is the link for the district website where there are links to each school. 

Silver Hill Hospital asks the community to visit its Facebook Page for virtual options TBA.

Other useful resources via phone or online:

Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline 1-888-774-2900, will remain operational 24/7 via call or text, counseling via phone and email and shelters available.

Kids in Crisis has a 24-hour Helpline available for kids, teens, parents, and providers.  New Canaan High School Emma Kate Freatman Teen Talk Counselor is available for follow up calls. Stressed?  Need assistance?  Not sure?  Call 203-661-1991.  Trained Counselors are available 24 hours a day. You Are Not Alone!

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):  If you need to talk to someone, text NAMI to 741741 or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

https://www.crisistextline.org/ Talk with a counselor via text
https://www.communitymindfulnessproject.org/ Guided meditation via phone
https://www.thehubct.org/  Behavioral health resources
https://drugfreenc.com/ Addiction and Behavioral Health Resources
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Suicide Hotline
https://www.swcaa.org/ Local resources for older citizens

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Submitted by New Canaan, CT

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