Inside HigherEd has published an article about the human element in remote learning: 'Experts weigh in on how the sudden, forced adoption of technology-delivered instruction will affect the well-being of professors and students alike.' Have a look at the article online here.
Advocacy Unlimited has published a list of daily activities to participate in to support good mental health during this time of social distancing.
With the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, there are many who may be feeling emotional distress given the uncertainty around the impact, spread, and scope of the disease. Psychiatrists play an important role in supporting patients' management of any psychosocial issues and responses that may arise from the disease's impact on them, their families, and community. This free webinar will outline how psychiatrists can support patients, communicate with family members and children, and be a resource to other providers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Click here for more information on the content and learning objectives of this webinar.
This webinar has already taken place on March 24 but you can contact the American Psychiatric Association and enquire about a recording. Contact educme@psych.org for questions and contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance.
Note: This presentation was recorded on March 24, 2020. Regulations and rules may have changed. It is recommended that you check with your State's Medical Board to get the most up-to-date information. A good resource to use is http://www.fsmb.org/advocacy/covid-19/.
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health has put together information on domestic violence advocacy in the context of COVID-19:
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health has put together a resource that supports survivors’ access to substance use disorder and mental health services during the COVID-19 emergency - find it here.
Substance use disorder treatment and mental health services can be difficult to access under regular circumstances. During this national emergency, there are new kinds of barriers to accessing treatment well as new and emerging policies designed to address them. This tip sheet outlines key steps in advocating for survivors’ continued access to mental health and substance use services and medication.
Here is a list of various helplines that you can call from home if you have depressive thoughts, experience anxiety or loneliness, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, or just find yourself in a state of crisis and hopelessness. Don't hesitate and reach out! Also make sure to keep an eye on your family members or friends that might need support with regards to their mental health. If they are open for help and advice, pass these resources on to them as well.
In their article about Depression Hotline Numbers, PsychCentral outlines why calling a helpline might be a good idea to get immediate help and support: 'Talk to someone who cares about what you have to say. Learn more about what they’re experiencing and what kind of help may be available to them. Have someone listen to them in the depths of their depression, when they may be embarrassed sharing what they’re feeling with someone else. Get advice about what to do next, in a confidential and caring manner or get a referral for treatment with a therapist or psychiatrist. Get help for a loved one who is experiencing a major depressive disorder.'
Some of the helplines that they list are the following:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). You can also take advantage of their online chat service.
The Lifeline also offers hearing impaired services at: 1-800-799-4889.
The Samaritans (call or text): (877) 870-4673 (HOPE)
Trevor Project Lifeline – Hotline for LGBT youth 866-488-7386
Child Help USA National Hotline – For youth who are suffering child abuse 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Boys Town National Hotline – Serving all at-risk teens and children 800-448-3000
National Teen Dating Violence Hotline – Concerns about dating relationships 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
From the article on PsychCentral: ''Some people feel uncomfortable talking on a telephone for help — and that’s perfectly okay. Depression hotline numbers are not for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can try one of these free crisis chat services online or by texting on your phone instead:
Crisis Text Line (on your smartphone)
The important thing is this: No matter what method you choose to reach out to get help, please, reach out to someone right now for help. Nobody will judge you. All of these services are there only to help you get through this trying, overwhelming time. You can do this.''
Free Spirit Publishing features an article about the prevention of child abuse by Jill Starishevsky, an assistant district attorney in New York City since 1997. She has prosecuted thousands of sex offenders and dedicated her career to seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Her mission to protect children, along with her penchant for poetry, inspired My Body Belongs to Me. A mother of three, Jill has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and is a prevention specialist who, through media appearances and public speaking events, teaches how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. She lives in New York City.
From the article:
''As a former prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for 22 years, one of the most surprising facts I have learned is that 93 percent of all child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone known to the child. This means that teaching “stranger danger” alone is not enough. - April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. To help raise awareness, here are three tips to teach children that will help keep them safe from child sexual abuse.'' (Find the article here.)
State launches new “Talk It Out” hotline for families to relieve stress of caring for children during pandemic
Parents and caretakers in need of help with the stress and increased needs resulting from caring for their children during the COVID-19 crisis are invited to call the state’s new “Talk It Out” hotline to receive assistance. An initiative of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, the hotline provides support from trained professionals who will listen and speak with those in need about their concerns and, if additional help is needed, refer them to responsive services.
Parents and caretakers are invited to call 1-833-258-5011 or visit www.talkitoutct.com.
Governor Lamont said reaching out for support and help is a healthy way for a family to respond to increased stress. Seeking help and support at times like these is a sign of strength and hope,” the governor said. “It is normal, and we all need help at times – especially now.”
This illustration is used courtesy of the artist, from the Counseling Teacher https://thecounselingteacher.com/.
This presentation by Peter Yellowlees (MBBS, MD, Chief Wellness Officer, UC Davis Health; Alan Stoudemire Endowed Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, UC Davis) offers learners an overview of how to use tele-mental health and video visits in the changing landscape surrounding the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As clinicians seek to quickly offer remote and video visits, it is important that they be aware of the legal, clinical, cultural, and practical aspects in using technology to deliver care. This presentation covers topics including assessing which tele-mental health platform to use, licensure, issues around consent, online prescribing, billing and payments, and special situations. This webinar is part of an APA (American Psychiatric Association) and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health & Human Services) initiative.
Click here for more information on the content and learning objectives of this webinar.
This webinar has already taken place on March 20 but you can contact the American Psychiatric Association and enquire about a recording. Contact educme@psych.org for questions and contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance.
Note: This presentation was recorded on March 20, 2020. Regulations and rules may have changed. It is recommended that you check with your State's Medical Board to get the most up-to-date information. A good resource to use is http://www.fsmb.org/advocacy/covid-19/.
Created by Child Trends, this resource provides a guide and several links that provide recommendations on how to best support children's well-being during the pandemic.
Common Sense Education offers a guide of tips and resources to decrease student anxiety through the use of news literacy, media balance, and healthy communication.