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HWC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

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COVID-19 Resources for Emotional and Mental Health

The current COVID-19 outbreak has presented individuals with difficult and uncertain times. Hospice of Washington County understands that people need assistance not only with the challenges but with intense responses that individuals may have related to this pandemic. Hospice of Washington is there for you, and we would like to provide you with support to help community members. We have compiled a list of resources to assist you with some of these intense responses such has control, isolation, hopelessness, fear, anxiety/panic, suicidal tendencies, as well as traumatic grief and loss. There are also resources for issues related to mental health, self-harm/abuse, neglect, eating disorders, chronic pain, substance abuse and recovery require a high level of professional care. We hope that this will help you during this unprecedented time.

  • Maryland Help Line: Dial 2.1.1 or go to:  211md.org
  • Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. 
  • You can be connected with Washington County Mobile Crisis Services by calling 911. A trained mental health provider can assist and respond to immediate needs. 

COVID-19 Support

Grief During the Holidays

Although many people consider the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” it can actually be one of the toughest times of the year for those who are struggling with grief and loss. People often begin to experience immense sorrow, feelings of anger, depression, loneliness and sadness right around Thanksgiving and continuing into the new year. While others may be enjoying the sights and sounds of the holidays; the music, lights, holiday parties and festive decorations that are meant to bring us joy, all of those things may also serve as painful reminders of our loss. Our loved one is not with us physically, so it can be difficult to feel connected to those around us, and to the purpose of the holiday season.

If you’re wondering how to get through the holidays this year without your loved one, here are some things to think about that might be helpful:

  1. Remember that grief is a part of the healing process. Some people may be resistant to actually sitting with the feelings they’re feeling, and experiencing the full range of emotions that accompany grief and loss. But, giving yourself permission to feel the loss, is part of the healing. Oftentimes people will try to escape, avoid or medicate feelings by over-indulging in food, drinking too much alcohol, or by just being too busy, instead of giving themselves the freedom to acknowledge and sit with their experience. Attempting to pretend the holidays don’t exist or numbing the pain of loss simply prolongs the anguish. Allowing yourself to experience your feelings is a healthy step toward healing from loss.
  2. Be patient with yourself. Realize that it’s not going to be easy, and do only those things that are special, meaningful or important to you. It’s okay to set healthy boundaries and not feel like you have to agree to every request; be willing to say no if that’s what you need. Eliminate the unnecessary, and set appropriate limits on what you do and what you spend. Do not over commit yourself. 
  3. Make a plan. Realize that this is going to be a new holiday - very different than holidays of the past. Think about changing some traditions or starting new ones.
  4. Build in times to relax over the holidays; take time to just breathe, remember and reflect.
  5. Take the initiative and make your own plans if you do not want to be alone over the holidays. Invite a neighbor to join you, throw your own party, or sit quietly with someone you feel safe and vulnerable with during those difficult days. Do something you truly enjoy-don’t do things just out of obligation or to please someone else.
  6. Some of the worst holiday stress arrives post-season. Plan something pleasant in January and February to help diminish the letdown.
  7. If stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness become overwhelming, it may be helpful to consult a mental health professional. It’s okay to ask for help.
  8. Think ahead about a response you might give to someone who says, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year.”
  9. Be patient with those who are unaware of the death. Think of a way to let them know in advance.
  10. Find a way to honor your memories. Consider creating a special way to remember and memorialize the person you’ve lost. Whether you decide to place a special ornament on your tree, light a candle every night, or fix your loved one’s favorite food, honoring your loved one is a tangible reminder that although the person we love is gone, the love never dies.

General Assistance 

Mental Health

For Children/Families 

Acitivites for Children

 

Resource Hotline Numbers:

Maryland Crisis Hotline 

1-800-422-0009 
TDD line 410-531-5086

Domestic Abuse and Child Abuse Hotline 

Drug and Alcohol 

Eating Disorders 

Learning Disabilities and ADHD 

Mental Health Crisis Lines / Suicide Hotlines 

Rape and Sexual Assault 

STD / AIDS 

Non-Profit Groups for Illnesses & Disorders Government Agencies 

AIDS 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alzheimer's Disease

Anxiety/ Panic

  • Panic Disorder Information Hotline -- 1-800-64-PANIC 

Bipolar and Depression

Chronic Pain

Domestic Violence

Eating Disorders

Gambling

LGBTQ+ 

Mental Health

Self-Harm/Self-Abuse

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Substance Abuse/Recovery

 

For problems, issues or illnesses not listed above, contact the following: 

Child Abuse and Neglect 

Missing Children 

Youth Issues/Problem Parenting 

  • Covenant House NineLine 
    Referrals for youth or parents re: drugs, homelessness, runaways, etc. Message relays, reports of abuse. Helps parents with problems with their kids. If all counselors are busy, stay on the line & one will be with you as soon as possible. 
    1-800-999-9999 (24 hrs)  

NIH'S Institute