Episode 45: Mental Wellness and Behavioral Health

Additional resources

Mental Wellness and Behavioral Health

Q1: Throughout the pandemic, I have sometimes found it hard to cope. What are some of the ways COVID-19 has affected our mental health?

Many people have experienced anxiety, stress or depression during the pandemic. This has come from several factors, such as social isolation, economic stress or the loss of loved ones. Or even contracting COVID-19. 

For example, a recent study of 154,000 COVID-19 patients in the Veterans Affairs health care system found that people who had COVID-19 were 39% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and 35% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than people who did not have COVID-19. 

So, you are not alone. Many of us have experienced the effects of COVID on our mental health.

Q2: What can I do to protect or improve my mental health during this pandemic?

Great question! The good news is there are several things you can do to stay mentally fit during the pandemic, some of which are fun. For starters, find an exercise you enjoy. Try going for a walk, jogging or doing yoga. You can also prepare and eat healthy and well-balanced meals with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Try to limit junk foods, caffeine and alcohol. Sleep is also important and staying connected to loved ones is critical. Finally, be sure to monitor how much news and social media you consume. Watching and hearing constant updates can worsen feelings of anxiety.

Q3: I hear people talking about “mental health,” but I also hear them say “behavioral health.” What is the difference?

Let me explain. Behavioral health is a term used to encompass mental health conditions, substance use disorders, problem gambling and other addictions. Behavioral health is a broader term than mental health. Mental health conditions, substance use disorders and problem gambling are more narrow classifications.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness intentionally uses the terms “mental health conditions” and “mental illness/es” interchangeably.

A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others and live the life you want to live. It is not the result of one event. Genetics, environment, relationships during early life, life experiences such as traumatic events, and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life may make some people more susceptible. Biochemical processes and basic brain structure may play a role, too.

Mental illness is no one’s fault. And for many people, recovery is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

Q4: What resources are available in the community to cover mental health issues and what type of services are offered?

Your mental health is a priority. To find psychiatrists, counselors, therapists and nurses who specialize in behavioral and mental health services, contact the Mental Health Call Center at 503-988-4888. If you are on the Oregon Health Plan or Medicaid you can visit the Mental Health & Substance Abuse provider directory or call 503-988-5887. If you have no insurance you can contact agencies on the  County Contracted Addiction Services Provider Agency List. You can also call 211 for help.

Another option is to visit your primary care provider. Finally, there are community-based organizations like Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO), African Family Holistic Health Organization and the Catholic Charities where support is also available. 

Q5: How has COVID affected suicide rates in Oregon, especially the Black community? 

This is a difficult topic, but I think it is important. 

One suicide is too many. When looking at 2020, available data did not show a suicide rate increase in the U.S. In fact, Oregon was one of seven states that showed a decrease in suicide rates between 2019 and 2020. Due to the low number of suicides by individuals identified as Black Non-Hispanic and data system limitations, it is challenging to determine which communities were disproportionally affected by suicide related to the COVID pandemic in Oregon. 

However, when looking at suicide rates over the past decade, all races have seen an increase in Oregon. Of specific concern is the increase in the Non-Hispanic Black population with a rate of 3.5 in 2000 to a rate of 10.9 in 2019. Oregon also reports to national suicide data. National data has shown increased rates of suicide among Black adults and children over the past decade.   

What are some resources for support for those struggling with thoughts of suicide?

Health inequities exist due to historic and systematic policies, rooted in white supremacy, that continue to have harmful effects today. In communities of color, addressing racism and its effects is a form of suicide prevention. The Racial Equity Support Line, 503-575-3764 (available weekdays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. PST), is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. It offers support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Also, Oregon launched the Safe + Strong Helpline and website, recognizing that COVID-19 has changed our lives in many ways. Call the Safe + Strong Helpline at 1-800-923- HELP (4357) and visit the Safe + Strong website to help make sense of what you’re going through and to learn more about what resources and support can help you, your loved ones and the communities you live and work in.

Additional Resources

• 24/7 Suicide Prevention National Lifeline number: 1-800-273-8255

• 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text “OREGON” to 741741

• Senior Loneliness Line: 503-200-1633 

What should we do if someone tells us they are having thoughts of suicide?

If you think someone is thinking about suicide, take the following steps:

• Talk to them in private: Listen to their story, and let them know you care.

• Ask directly about suicide, calmy and without judgment: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

• Take the person seriously.

• Encourage them to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line, text OREGON to 741741. 

• Stay with them while they contact one of these services.

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Q6: Ever since the pandemic started, I have noticed that my son is struggling to stay happy. How can I help him?

Being a young person during this time can be especially difficult. Kids and teens have had to cope with isolation, missing school and milestones, and uncertainty about the future. Unlike adults, they are still developing skills to navigate these challenges. 

Our young people also face issues like racial injustice and bullying. This can lead to low self-esteem and several kinds of behavioral problems, like substance abuse. 

It is important for family and friends to reach out to youth and let them know they are not alone, and let them know you are there to help. When young people have caring family members or friends who support them, they can better manage times like these. There are lots of places you can go for help. YouthLine for teen-to-teen crisis help is a phone line and a texting support line are offered through Lines for Life. Trained teens respond from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, PDT. Adults are also available 24/7. Call 1-877-968-8491; text teen2teen to 839863. You can also Google: 

Q7: Sometimes I feel like I can’t deal with one more thing. First we shut down due to this pandemic, then George Floyd, then there’s confusion about when to wear masks, or don’t wear masks. Now, there’s inflation and a war in Ukraine. How can I cope with all of these changes?

It is exhausting isn’t it? We are ALL tired. It has been a long and difficult two years. What you are feeling is called change fatigue. As people, we like routine, and we get fatigued when our routines are disrupted. One thing that helps is to find a new rhythm. If keeping a mask on is helpful for you, then keep it on. If you want to continue to follow physical distance guidelines, do that. You can also try things like eating at the same time every day, or going to bed and getting out of bed at the same time every day. These are little things that can provide predictability and routine in our unpredictable world. 

Q8: April is National Minority Health Month. How does this support the Black, African American and African Immigrant community?

National Minority Health Month highlights the ways in which the FDA’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity is working to improve minority health and health equity. This year’s theme is “Give Your Community a Boost” and focuses on the fight against COVID-19. One goal is to address misinformation. So there are videos that show people from diverse backgrounds working on the COVID-19 vaccines, and the importance of diverse communities getting vaccinated and boosted. Getting vaccinated and boosted is the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and protect our community, so I hope you’ll check out the videos on the FDA’s Minority Health and Health Equity website. 

Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.