Many Americans are feeling deepened anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future, all of which takes a heavy toll on daily life. Vermonters are no exception.
To help alleviate the extraordinary impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID Support VT offers self-help tips, resources, and a way to connect to existing mental health and community services, all of which promote resilience, empowerment and recovery.
“The people of Vermont have done an incredible job keeping our state as safe as possible with the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the country,” said Mental Health Commissioner Sarah Squirrell in a news release. “The low rates have required a lot of sacrifice, though, which has been difficult. COVID Support VT is here to help us through the tough times.”
COVID Support VT is for anyone needing emotional support to deal with stressful circumstances due to the pandemic. It can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The program will work to reach higher-risk populations such as essential workers, elders, homeless, children, new Americans and refugees, people in recovery from mental health conditions or substance use disorders, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and more.
In addition to being at high risk of severe illness, people in these groups may also be experiencing social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to both poor mental and physical health.
“No one is immune to loneliness, stress, or anxiety and that is especially true as we navigate COVID-19. For many, the isolation, financial impact, and familial stressors are simply overwhelming.” says Simone Rueschemeyer, executive director of the Vermont Care Network/Vermont Care Partners.
The services available through COVID Support VT are designed to help those suffering from the pandemic by connecting them to resources for mental and emotional well-being, local and national helplines, accessible and easy-to-access education and helpful tips on coping with the effects of the pandemic, and connections to community organizations that provide crucial services.
Future services may include crisis counselors to provide individual brief support counseling and connections to community resources, through a single call center; virtual group counseling, and ongoing education and outreach tailored to support the emotional well-being of Vermonters.
For more information and resources, visit covidsupportvt.org, call 802-828-7368 or email info@covidsupportvt.org.