It is safe to say that we are currently living in a world none of us could have imagined as recently as two months ago. We are living, working, educating, and entertaining within the confines of our homes. On top of the anxiety caused by a new global situation and the unknown factors of an unfamiliar disease, we are missing social interaction, worrying over our futures, and adapting to a complete overhaul of our daily routines. Some of us are facing job loss or difficult decisions to keep our businesses afloat. Many of us have taken on additional burdens of homeschooling, or caring for a vulnerable family member. Through all of this, it is important to take our mental and emotional health just as seriously as our physical health. Below find some resources, many of them local, for when you need that extra re-assurance that all will be okay.
On April 15, the Chamber hosted a livestream conversation with experts on staying mentally healthy during the COVID-19 crisis that touches on many of the resources listed below. It can be viewed on our Facebook page, YouTube page, or below.
Osceola Regional Medical Center
Osceola Regional Medical Center has shared tips for staying mentally healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. See below, or download your own copy in English or Spanish.
They also offer a behavioral help 24-hour intake line at 407-518-5835 and a telehealth option at 407-518-1143.
Osceola Regional will host Therapeutic Thursdays on Thursday, April 16.
The Check In Project
The Check-In Project is a mental health initiative of Wraparound Osceola designed to help families, schools, and employers break the stigma surrounding mental health by providing the tools and resources needed to check-in with one another, start conversations, and provide support. Visit them at thecheckinproject.org, which includes mental health resources for businesses.
Florida Blue Emotional Support Helpline
Florida Blue has opened a free emotional support helpline for all Floridians. This number is toll-free, bilingual, and available 24 hours a day. It connects individuals with specially trained behavioral health counselors who can assist anyone experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma, or grief due to the health crisis. Call 833-848-1762.
Community Hope Center of Osceola County
The Community Hope Center also offers a direct line for anyone just looking for someone to listen. Call (321) 677-0245.
The City of Kissimmee
The city offers a call-in line and text service for those who are struggling emotionally due to this disaster. You can call (800) 985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. These services are FREE and can help you or someone you know during these difficult times.
Help Now of Osceola County
Help Now of Osceola, Inc. will remain open and ready to assist during the coronavirus
UCF Restores
The University of Central Florida Restores program is a clinical research program that regularly helps veterans, active duty personnel, and survivors of mass shootings or sexual assault through post-traumatic stress disorder.
On Monday, April 13 UCF Restores began anew mental health initiative geared toward individuals and families dealingwith stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. They will post video sessions aimed atproviding tools to deal with stress on their Facebook page twice per week
National Mental Health Resources
Check out these links to nationally available mental health resources for individuals and businesses.
www.nami.org - National Alliance of Mental Illness - has free support for patients and their families.
www.giveanhour.org offers free counseling sessions.
www.psychologytoday.com is a search engine to find counselors in your area.
www.flcovidcare.org provides free support and resources for essential workers.
Christina was raised in St. Cloud and holds degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. She joined the Chamber in April 2015. As Director of Administration, she manages the Area Council’s events, sub-committee meetings, projects, and board engagements.
