The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Montanans stress, burnout, and anxiety. While many COVID precautions emphasize physical health protection, there is a marked increase in many people feeling overwhelmed.
“It’s just as important to protect your mental health,” according to Beaverhead County Mental Health Local Advisory Council chairperson, Heidi Peterson. There are a number of different coping resources available, she said. “Sometimes you need help to deal with feelings of isolation, loss, fear, uncertainty, depression, and anxiety. We want to be sure folks are aware of what’s available during this ongoing period of uncertainty.”
Area residents, struggling with the pandemic’s broad impact, can call the Montana Crisis Recovery hotline at 1-877-503-0833. It provides free and confidential counseling services from trained crisis counselors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. This new service is meant to help health care workers, school officials, farmers, ranchers, veterans, and all area residents struggling with the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
The Montana Warm Line provides non-emergency mental health support. It offers anonymity, which can greatly ease any fear of stigma associated with seeking help. The Warm Line (1-877-688-3377) is a non-crisis peer support line. There is also an informational website (http://www.montanawarmline.org), weekly Open Chat line, call-in support groups and call-in FYI sessions.
The Crisis Text Line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by texting MT to 741 741.
The Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Thrive by Waypoint Health, an online cognitive behavioral therapy for those actively working to manage anxiety and stress, is available at https://thriveformontana.com/.