By: Harry Saltzgaver ~ Press-Telegram ~ May 16, 2020
LONG BEACH
Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated annually each May since 1949 — yet it may have never had as much importance as it does now.
That’s because the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced most folks to stay stuck in their homes for more than two months now, going out only for essential needs — such as grocery shopping — leaving people unable to visit friends or family, or even enjoy a relaxing night out. That, and the worries that come with living through a deadly pandemic, has put a strain on people’s mental well-being, officials for two Long Beach organizations focusing on such issues said recently.
Now is more important than ever, they said, to focus on emotional and psychological needs, especially among vulnerable populations — like children and those who are homeless.
“It’s impacting the whole population,” said Christina Miller, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Los Angeles. “Everyone is anxious, more anxious than usual. And we’re all getting worn out.”
MHALA focuses on the homeless population and there, at least, is one not-entirely-bad aspect of the pandemic. One of the impacts of the stay-at-home rules — put in place locally and statewide in March to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus — has been an emphasis on getting homeless people into shelters, at least temporarily.
That’s a good thing, Miller said.
“Since the start, LA County has put in more shelters,” Miller said. “Project Room Key (a state initiative) has helped, too.
“We see more clients in Long Beach,” she added, “and Long Beach has always been ahead of the curve with services.”
But even though there are a lot of positive partnerships and changes happening, Miller said, challenges remain.
Those who are homeless “are more fearful now,” she said. “Some are afraid of leaving their friends.”
Miller said her organization is using technology to reach clients when possible, allowing employees to work from home. But physical outreach continues, and the center downtown remains open.
“The biggest impact has been on our youth (clients),” Miller said. “We don’t see our people as much, and everyone is more vulnerable. We try to make more contacts by phone calls.”
The Guidance Center, meanwhile, focuses exclusively on the mental health of youngsters and their families; the Guidance Center’s headquarters are in downtown Long Beach, but it also has locations in Compton and San Pedro.
The organization’s CEO, Patricia Costales, agreed with Miller that youth have been heavily impacted by school closures and stay-at-home orders, but added that they are adapting.
“We’re still getting requests for counseling, for psychiatry,” Costales said. “And we’re still doing some in-person counseling, especially if there are suicidal tendencies. But we’re seeing greater levels of anxiety throughout.”
The biggest concern is a 50% drop in calls to the child abuse hotline, Costales said. Because children must stay home, abuse victims aren’t being seen — and reported — by outsiders, such as school officials. She said she expects a sharp spike in child abuse cases once society reopens.
For the safety of both clients and counselors, Costales said, most counseling sessions are done remotely. Yet, she said, she has been pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of Zoom sessions.
“Even the youngest (clients) are doing well,” she said. “We’ve been able to do some play therapy, things like that. We’re focusing on the caregivers a lot too.
“It’s an adjustment,” Costales said. “Our therapists are in their own homes, too.”
One aspect of concern with the stay-at-home orders and increasing isolation for children is the impact it has on their social development, Costales said. For elementary school-aged children, this is the time when they learn how to interact with others, and the lack of contact with friends can be deeply felt.
“We really recommend giving them opportunities to connect with their friends,” Costales said. “Even phone calls or just driving by so they can wave to each other can make a huge difference.”
If anything, she added, middle school and high school students miss interaction with their peers even more.
“Social contacts with adolescents is key,” Costales said. “They have to find ways to connect with friends, both girls and boys. Fortunately, most are well-versed in social media so they make connections there. And there are the computer games they can play together.”
Finally, the Guidance Center’s CEO said, it’s important to youth and adults alike to get some exercise, whether it’s taking a walk or dancing in the living room.
“Emotional health definitely is related to physical health,” Costales said.
Both Miller and Costales said their agencies are seeing more need for basics, including food. MHALA and The Guidance Center provide what they can, then make referrals to other help groups.
“We all need to keep an eye on each other, too,” Costales said. “Whether it’s a wave, a balloon or a note, remind your neighbors that they’re not alone in this. It helps remind you that you’re not alone, too.”
Source: Harry Saltzgaver ~ Press-Telegram ~ May 16, 2020
