By: Andy Meisner Published April 18, 2020
Stories on our televisions and computer screens show the extremely difficult position that our frontline healthcare workers and first responders fighting COVID-19 are in, as well as the secondary trauma they experience as a result. That’s why I wanted to highlight efforts throughout Oakland County, the region and the state to give our heroes the mental health support they both need and deserve.
It’s easy to see why physical health aspects of COVID-19 are at the forefront of our minds, but we can’t allow good mental health to be neglected. Just imagine what sort of thoughts would race through your mind if you were a frontline worker battling this pandemic, including concerns about getting the virus yourself and shock at the devastating symptoms and mortality being experienced by your patients. This could compromise anyone’s mental health.
One critical resource in the effort to provide mental health support to frontline healthcare workers and first responders is the Healthcare Provider Support Hotline, established by the Wayne State University School of Social Work, College of Nursing and other departments. The Hotline team is made up of a growing list of professionally licensed social workers, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners and psychologists who agree to volunteer their unique skill sets and expertise to help out. These heroes of mental health take shifts staffing the Hotline and providing free, confidential and anonymous counseling and emotional support for those working under extremely stressful conditions. Dean Sheryl Kubiak of the School of Social Work said this of the Hotline: “, "We have to do everything we can to take care of them so that they can continuing trying to save lives.”
If you are a mental health professional willing to volunteer your time for this great cause, visit https://socialwork.wayne.edu. And, if you are a frontline healthcare worker or emergency responder, thank you for your heroic service and please call the Healthcare Worker Support Hotline if needed, which is available Monday through Saturday from 5 am to 9 pm and can be accessed by calling 1-888-910-1636.
An additional resource coming online is the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) “warmline” for Michigan residents who have mental health conditions that could include anxiety, depression and trauma. Though this resource doesn’t target frontline healthcare workers and first responders, it does lift up the cause of good mental health during the crisis by connecting people with mental health challenges with “certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower callers.” It also relieves stress on crisis hotlines by servicing people who may feel isolated but aren’t in an emergency situation.
If you’re out there and feeling alone in battling your mental health condition during this difficult time, you can call 888-733-7753 and learn that a friendly voice with similar experiences as you is only a phone call away.
We know seeking help right away and learning coping mechanisms to deal with what we have witnessed is a solid start to mitigating long-term effects on mental health. Despite the trauma, our frontline workers and first responders continue to push forward and serve our communities. It is imperative that we assure their mental health and wellbeing during and after these unprecedented times, as well as supporting the mental health of every resident.
Andy Meisner is the Oakland County Treasurer.
To view the original article, please visit:
https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2020/04/18/mental-health-resources-coronavirus-first-responders/5148295002/
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