Originally published in the Reading Eagle
Written by Karen Shuey
If you're feeling isolated, overwhelmed or helpless because of the coronavirus pandemic, you're not alone. These feelings are common.
That was the key message during a virtual town hall about the public health crisis hosted by U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan on Wednesday morning.
The Chester County Democrat, who represents the congressional district that includes Reading and many southeastern communities in Berks County, said the purpose of the event was to shine a light on how the coronavirus is taking a toll on the collective mental health of those across her district and highlight the steps they can take to cope with this unprecedented threat.
"The virus is causing ancillary complications and repercussions when it comes to our mental health," she said.
What Congress has been doing
Houlahan outlined how the federal government has responded to this issue through the CARES Act. She said the legislation contains a myriad of health policy provisions and provides about $425 million to boost mental health services.
That funding includes:
• $250 million to certified community behavioral health clinics.
• $50 million for suicide prevention programs.
• $100 million for emergency response spending that can target support where it is most needed, such as outreach to those experiencing homelessness.
Houlahan said she has also been working to provide resources specifically for those who are on the front lines of this battles in the next coronavirus rescue bill that is being negotiated in Congress.
She said she has joined many of her colleagues in pushing for mental health grants for first responders as well as calling on the federal Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on health care workers' mental health.
"Some of you may know that my brother is currently serving as an emergency and surgical nurse in Iowa so this is very personal for me," she said. "These workers are on a special kind of battlefield. And it's crucial that the government is here to help them."
What the experts are saying
Houlahan then handed over the conversation to local mental health experts.
As people wrestle with the isolation measures thrust upon them, the fear from battling an invisible enemy and the depression that often follows an economic collapse, the experts said they are aware these challenges are impacting the mental health of those trying to navigate through this difficult time.
Debbie Thompson, executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness in Chester County, pointed out that there are resources for those who find themselves struggling and stressed that those who feel this way are not alone.
"Mental illness is an illness just like any other illness and COVID-19 just adds another level of challenges that families and people have to deal with," she said. "There are resources in every community that offer help for those who need someone to talk to right now."
Connie Malafarina, team leader of child and adolescent services at Berks Counseling Center, said the most important thing to remember is that the feelings people are having are valid and normal.
She added that it is especially crucial for parents to help their children cope with these feelings because they may not know how to come to terms with the grief and anxiety they're experiencing.
"Talk with children about this," she said. "Don't minimize their concerns because they need to be heard."
Malafarina shared some ways for children and adults to cope with the stress:
• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body.
• Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
