Anxiety and Depression are Becoming Chronic Problems as the Pandemic Drags on
Scott Tanaka
In my last article, I talked about how Covid-19 has impacted our mental wellness. It not only brought about new concerns as a result of social distancing requirements and the uncertainty of things, but it also further complicated challenges and difficulties that people were already working through before the pandemic.
Talking about mental health is not always easy. If you think therapy can help you, be persistent in finding the right therapist. If you don’t have a referral from your medical doctor or other health care providers, Psychology Today’s “Find a Therapist” and the APA’s “Psychologist Locator” are good resources.
For more on the different kinds of therapy and finding one that fits your needs, see our story “How to Find the Right Therapist” (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/find-mental-health-therapist.html).
Outside of traditional therapy, there are other options. AARP Friendly Voice, for example, was set up earlier in the pandemic to break through the wall of loneliness made more formidable by social distancing.
Volunteers will call anyone who requests contact. If people are having a crisis — in critical need of food, health care or mental health intervention, for example — they are steered to appropriate help.
But more often, these calls are just an opportunity to have a relaxed, extended conversation with someone who’s friendly and caring. As a social worker, I found that for many of the people I worked with, they just wanted someone to listen to them.
I let them know that what they were feeling was normal given the circumstances they were in. Sometimes, having a friendly and caring person to talk to is enough. And it’s OK to seek out that additional support. Those seeking a call from AARP’s Friendly Voice can reach out at https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/friendly-voices/.
Helplines and Other Support
The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ET at (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org. Volunteers can answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps for mental health concerns. NAMI also offers 24-hour crisis support by text (text HOME to 741741) or via live chat by going to https://www.crisistextline.org/.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s helpline (the Treatment Referral Routing Service) can, among other services, steer you toward support groups and treatment options. The helpline website is https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline and telephone number (800) 662-HELP (4357).
If you or someone you care about is considering suicide, call the free 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255), or text the word HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to speak with someone who can offer confidential support and resources. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also runs the Veterans Crisis Line (800-273-8255, press 1; or text 838255) and offers options for the deaf and hard of hearing. Find more information at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
AARP Foundation’s Connect2Affect.org provides resources to address social isolation, such as an assessment to determine risk. The site also features a chat bot designed for friendly conversations and to guide people looking to rebuild their social connections.
Asian American Pacific Islander Resources
Asian Mental Health Collective’s mission is to normalize and destigmatize mental health within the Asian community. Learn more and access their Therapist Finder by going to https://www.asianmhc.org/.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Assn.’s mission is to promote the mental health and well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Learn more at https://www.naapimha.org/aanhpi-service-providers.
The Little Tokyo Service Center serves the Los Angeles and South Bay communities in California. LTSC social workers help clients effectively navigate social, medical and mental health issues, including assistance with government benefits. To consult with a social worker, call (213) 473-3035. To learn more about other services provided, visit https://www.ltsc.org/helping-seniors/.
The above list is not an exhaustive list of available resources and their inclusion is not an endorsement. You can also ask to speak to a social worker or case manager at your local hospital, health care facility or community center who can help connect you to resources in your area.
Scott Tanaka is a member of the JACL Washington, D.C., chapter and is a policy, research and international affairs adviser at AARP.
