Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

In crisis? Get help now – find multiple support lines here.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-8255
Vermont Suicide Prevention Center:
Text VT to 741741

Zero Suicide

From Vermont Suicide Prevention Center: The foundational belief of Zero Suicide is that suicide deaths for individuals under care within health and behavioral health systems are preventable. It presents both a bold goal and an aspirational challenge. Vermont, in its efforts to remain at the forefront of evidence-based practice, is taking on this challenge. The Vermont Department of Mental Health has chosen Zero Suicide as the framework for current state efforts in health care systems. As Vermont aligns its efforts with the National Strategy, the results and successes of this growing national initiative in communities around the country present an opportunity to have an immediate impact on the number of deaths by suicide. Learn more about the Zero Suicide initiative.

Coping with stress caused by COVID-19

From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. This page features a comprehensive compilation of recognizing stress, coping with it, and stress management strategies for different groups of people (for example: older people, children, teenagers, first responders, individuals in quarantine, and more.) Find ways you and your family can reduce stress.

From COVID Support VT: COVID Support VT helps people cope with the pandemic through education, emotional support and connections to community services that promote resilience, empowerment and recovery. COVID Support VT offers access to counselors, groups, and workshops.

Preventing and Addressing Burnout During COVID-19: The Vermont Agency of Human Services has provided a guide to help Vermonters prevent and address burnout during COVID-19. Although no one knows the duration of this crisis, caring for clients during COVID-19 will be a marathon, not a sprint. Rigorous self-care is essential to the work. We must take the time to recharge for ourselves and come together as teams to take care of our colleagues.

Mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental services needs

From Vermont Care Partners: Vermont’s designated and specialized service agencies are still here to help with mental health, substance use disorder and developmental services needs via video and phone. Our virtual doors are open. Clinical assessment, individual therapy, and 24/7 mental health crisis response – among other services – are all just a phone call away and are generally covered by your insurance, Medicaid or other public funding. Find your local agency. Intake phone numbers and crisis lines are one click away here.

From help.org: Dedicated to providing drug and alcohol rehab resources and support.
Drug Abuse Hotline
Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse Help
Fentanyl Addiction Help
Methamphetamine Addiction Help
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Vermont

Mental Health Resources for Children

The Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health has rounded up helpful information for families. Resources include community resources, educational services, financial resources, mental health resources, how to talk to your children, and other resources for families.

Mental Health Coping Strategies

Video Series: 5 Strategies to Help With COVID-19 Changes, Stress and Worry
In this video series, University of Vermont Medical Center addresses the growing anxiety and stress we all face during uncertain times. Experts at UVM Health Network’s Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Robert Althoff, MD, Chief of Psychiatry, and Aron Steward, PhD, Chief of Psychology, provide helpful coping strategies and important perspective for us all to consider as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feeling Down? Anxious? Try this 3-Minute Activity During COVID-19
You may have already heard of mindfulness, including techniques like meditation. Mindfulness has been proposed as a treatment for anxiety, depression, and generally getting the most enjoyment out of life. Read up on the technique here.

Coping with Stress and Isolation, via UVM Medical Center blog
As humans, we crave connection and social interaction. It is important for us to stay socially active and connected while we experience and practice physical distancing. Remaining connected to our community and to ourselves is one way we can keep our immunity in a healthy, balanced state. In fact, research supports that our social connectedness, our quiet alone time and affirmative thinking actually improves our immune system response. Read the strategies for coping here.

Mask Wearing Resources for Vermonters

OneCare’s health prevention program, RiseVT, offers timely and informative resources to support mask wearing. Read more about why health officials and our Governor are asking us all to wear masks while out in public. RiseVT also wrote this post about how to make a mask.

Watch this 30-second mask wearing Public Service Announcement from VT Dept of Health and Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

Looking to buy or purchase a mask? Read Face Covering Guidance and Where to Buy from VT Emergency Management and Face Mask How-tos and Make Your Own  from VT Dept of Health

Learn about Face Coverings for Children from VT Dept of Health in Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | English | French | Karen | Kirundi | Lingala | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese

I’ll Protect You, You Protect Me infographic from VT Dept of Health in Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | English | French | Kirundi | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese

For organizations opening their doors, use this Reopening Signage including mask-wearing and limited capacity signs from VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

#MasksOnVT Campaign from VT Dept of Health:

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Mask Myths: Does a Mask Limit My Oxygen Intake? from the UVM Health Network.