In response to the increase in mental health-related issues that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health and Addiction has created the Be Well Crisis Helpline according to a press release. The helpline which can be accessed by calling 2-1-1, allows Indiana residents 24/7 free and confidential access to trained counselors, according to a press release. The hotline is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The FSSA said that Indiana residents have shown increasing levels of stress and anxiety as a result of the coronavirus crisis, compounded by grief and loss, financial stressors, changes to routines, social isolation and reduced access to traditional support structures such as family, friends, schools, religious institutions and other organizations. This hotline is intended to alleviate the mental health impacts of these challenges.
“As Hoosiers continue to cope with the ‘new normal’ of life during a pandemic, with massive disruptions in their everyday lives, and with emotions ranging from bored to terrified, it was imperative to build a helpline that could literally be a lifeline for many,” said FSSA secretary Jennifer Sullivan.
The helpline can be accessed by pressing 3 after calling at 2-1-1, the number that connects callers to different health and human service resources including the helpline. DMHA director Jay Chaudhary said in the press release that callers can talk to experienced and compassionate counselors that will listen, provide support and encourage resiliency.
More information about mental health resources for Indiana residents, including videos on COVID-19 coping-strategies for children and teenagers and information on how to find accurate information regarding the disease, can be found at BeWellIndiana.org.
