Feeling lonely, depressed or anxious? Pennsylvania has mental health services ready to help

It’s going to be a tough holiday season for many Pennsylvanians, but the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services wants you to know that you don’t have to endure it alone.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is encouraging everyone to only spend the holidays with those who live in their household in order to prevent the spread of the virus. While social distancing has been hard throughout the pandemic, the department expects feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression to only get worse as the holidays near and we are forced to celebrate without our loved ones. It can be especially difficult for those who struggle with substance and alcohol abuse.

“This may bring out a kind of grief that we may not recognize or understand,” said department secretary Teresa Miller. “The winter months and holiday season can be a challenging time for people in normal times — given the unprecedented crisis, those challenges may be felt more acutely than ever.”

The important thing is to recognize your feelings, realize that they are normal, and then seek help.

“Your feelings are valid, but please know that you do not have to and should not endure it alone,” Miller said. “The holiday season and our family traditions will look different this year but we don’t have to be cut off of our support networks entirely.”

Miller also encouraged people to look out for one another during this time. Checking in on family and friends who may be especially lonely or anxious at this time. She recommended doing a video chat or playing a game online.

“We can foster connections even if it’s not in the same physical space,” she said. “We can support each other and get through this season together.”

There are numerous resources available to help you if you’re feeling badly, or to provide guidance on how you can help a loved one who is suffering. Here are just a few:

Online Resources:

Mental Health in Pa: a comprehensive list of the state’s mental health resources. Dhs.pa.gov\n

Get Help Now: a website to go to for substance use disorder and alcohol treatment. apps.ddap.pa.gov/gethelpnow\n

Pennsylvania’s KinConnector: a site filled with resources to help relatives who care for children when their parents are unable to. kinconnector.org\n

PA Link to Community Care: A go-to site for senior citizens and adults with disabilities to access a variety of services, programs and other resources. carelink.pa.gov\n

Contacts:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)\n

The Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741\n

Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)\n

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990\n

Get Help Now for substance use disorder and alcohol treatment: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)\n

PA Link for help accessing programs geared towards senior citizens: 1-800-753-8827\n

Senior citizens can also reach out to their local Area Agency on Aging to get help on accessing resources for mental health and for assistance getting online. You can find your local Area Agency on Aging at aging.pa.gov.

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