May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Delaware), to raise awareness of mental health conditions.This year, NAMI’s ‘You Are Not Alone’ national campaign focuses on the power of connection for those affected by mental illness. Collectively, we can make a positive impact on the millions of people who are struggling and feeling particularly alone given the current situation of social isolation and physical distancing.
- Share Your Story – NAMI is asking the public to share their own lived experience with mental health conditions by submitting their stories.
- NAMI Delaware Helpline: 1-888-427-2643
- Help is Here DE – Available 24/7, dial 2-1-1 for confidential, emergency assistance with food, transportation, healthcare, counseling, addiction and more.
- Support videos & information from NAMI Delaware can be found here
- Click here for more online resources & webinar replays
Week 4 (May 23 – 31st) – Self Care, Mindfulness & Outlets to Providers/Help
The following are available online resources for mental health and support groups:
- Newark Yoga Community Facebook Page – Online Classes
- The Yoga Room (Private Group) – Online Yoga Studio Hub
- The Mental Health Association in Delaware Facebook Page – Variety of resources (videos, support groups, positive messaging, etc..)
The following are support groups offered through NAMI – contact/registration information is provided for each group. For more details, please visit their Facebook page.
- Discover Online for Peers (Tues) and Discover Online for Family/Loved Ones (Thurs) at 1pm. To register, email admin@namide.org or call 1-888-427- 2643 and press 1 for Helpline.
- Mental Health Association in Delaware Depression and Anxiety: Mondays 1- 2pm, Thursdays 9-10am
- Survivors of Suicide (for Grief & Healing): Thursdays 7-8pm To register, email Rochelle Balan at rbalan@mhainde.org
- Mid-Atlantic Behavioral Health Parenting Support Group every Wed at 5pm
NAMIWalks Your Way Delaware – May 30th – NAMIWalks Your Way works the way it sounds: participants get to make NAMIWalks their own. You can walk or run a 5K—through your neighborhood, around your backyard, along a nature trail, on your treadmill, or wherever you are comfortable. Or, you can do something else meaningful and fun to celebrate our virtual walk day.
What participants are doing on May 30:
• Making a goal to walk 3,500 steps throughout the entire day, creating a 5K their way.
• Planning a craft day with their kids.
• Making a positive and encouraging sign about mental health and hanging it in their window or putting it in their front yard.
• Practicing self-care with a favorite hobby: yoga, gardening, knitting.
• And more!
More info at: https://www.facebook.com/events/701136230720818/
The following are hotlines and helplines for mental health resources in Delaware, based on insurance company and uninsured individuals.
| Aetna | 1-833-327-AETNA (2386) |
| 24/7 Confidential Counseling for Aetna Members | |
| United Healthcare | 1-866-342-6892 |
| 24/7 Confidential Counseling for United Healthcare Members | |
| www.liveandworkwell.com | |
| Cigna | Telemental Health- Member should call the 800# on the back of the ID card. |
| Always a benefit to Cigna members, prior to COVID-19. | |
| Highmark | TeleMental Health- included in Amwell Telemedicine. (Flyer Attached) |
| www.amwell.com | |
| For Uninsured | The Bridge Clinic offers free mental health/substance use screenings along with follow-up resources depending on an individual’s situation. This service is offered to all Delawareans. They are located in all 3 counties at the following locations: New Castle County: 14 Central Ave, New Castle, DE 19720 1-302-255-1650 Kent County: 805 River Rd., 3rd Floor, Dover, DE 19901 1-302-857-5060 Sussex County: 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947 1-302-515-3310 |
| Delaware Crisis Intervention Services Staffed 24/7 | Delaware Crisis Intervention Services Staffed 24/7, including holidays New Castle County: 1-800-652-2929 Kent & Sussex Counties: 1-800-345-6785 CIS for Minors: 1-800-969-HELP (4357) |
| The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) | 1-866- 488-7386 or text START to 678678 |
| Nat’l Domestic Violence Hotline: | 1-800-799- 7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522 |
| Veteran’s Crisis Line | 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255 |
| Jewish Family Services | OnCall Emotional Support Hotline: 1-302-781-4537 *not a crisis line |
Week 3 (May 15 – 21st) – Suicide & Substance Prevention
- Substance Abuse Prevention Week – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Includes information, webinars, articles, and a great “conversation starter” guide for interacting with those you fear may be having difficulties with substance abuse.
- Suicide Prevention Awareness – Material from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), including warning signs, risk factors, and graphics you can share to raise awareness #stigmafree
- Mental Health & Addiction Crisis Resources – From NAMI Delaware, including Delaware-specific resources and a full Crisis Guide for Navigating a Mental Health Crisis.
- Industry Check-In/Zoom Meeting: Every Monday at 7pm, join in for an open conversation about mental health, addiction, sobriety, and the daily struggles of the restaurant industry.
DRA & NAMI Webinar – Wednesday, May, May 20th at 10am
Please join Norwood Coleman and Veirgina Dudley for a discussion based around Mental Health Awareness Month, and how you can continue to care and be conscious for the well-being of your employees through COVID-19.
Topics discussed will include common signs of suicidal thoughts and struggling substance abuse, why wellness works best when it is a community approach, the cost of suicide and substance abuse on the community and business and learning how restorative practices create the climate of healing for staff organizations, and the communities in which you serve. Click here to register.
HelpLines & Local Resources
Northern Delaware Crisis Hotline (Mental Health & Substance Abuse): 800-652-2929
Southern Delaware Crisis Hotline (Mental Health& Substance Abuse): 800-345-6785
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
NET Detox Centers: Northern Delaware: 1-800-359-1367, Southern Delaware: 1-302-786-7800
Recovery Innovation Response Center: Northern DE: 659 East Chestnut Hill Rd, Newark DE 19713 Phone: 1-302-318-6070 Southern DE: 700 Main St, Ellendale, DE 19941 Phone: 1-302-424-5660
Week 2 (May 8 – 14th) – Women and Children
- National Women’s Health Week – find more information on available services and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Westside Family Healthcare – Find local behavioral health services for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.
- Article & Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- “Practical Strategies for Kids & Parents During COVID-19” – Video replay from NAMI Delaware
- “5 Ways to Support Your Family’s Mental Health During the Pandemic” – Article by The Mighty.com
Week 1 (May 1st – 7th) – Stress, Anxiety & Depression
- Virtual Support Group: Practicing Self-care and Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Outbreak – for Essential Workers ONLY – To register please reach out to Meghan Beck at meghanbeck@nationaleap.com
- More resources from National EAP here
- The Sanvello App is free for users, but it currently offering free premium upgrades for 90 days due to COVID-19. It’s the #1 app for stress, anxiety, and depression, using evidence based techniques and allows you to follow a guided journey to complete at your own pace. The app is filled with daily meditations, quotes, playlists linked to Spotify, a gratitude section, and a place to journal your thoughts! Click here to learn more about Sanvello.
- 5 Things About Staying Mentally Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Provided by the National Institute of Mental Health
- Depression: Learn the signs and find treatment
- High anxiety calls for innovation in digital mental health
- From Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield – Hear the latest on the Confronting COVID-19 podcast and learn more about free screening week here: Medical and Community Resources
- Stone Psych Solutions – Tele-sessions provided, working with stress & anxiety conditions. Private pay & insurance accepted.