LifeWorks Update on COVID-19 and its new Mental Health Stigma Initiative
Our presenters on Thursday, May 7th were the amazing LifeWorks team, Michelle Fountain (Executive Director), Samantha Frias (Community Educator & Development Manager) and Henry Olcese (Behavioral Services Program Director). Michelle briefly addressed the impact of COVID-19 on mental health issues. COVID-19 can stack trauma on trauma. Sometimes more time together during the stay-at-home period can be dangerous. Financial problems increase the stress on relationships. Alcohol and drugs can also have a negative impact, creating a huge ballooning effect. LifeWorks has had a significant increase in calls, which is made more difficult because the only treatment LifeWorks can give is video therapy. Many of these patients have major financial issues due to lay-offs and furloughs but may not be eligible for financial assistance. However, due to a major grant, LifeWorks has been able to offer a program including 6 free sessions for first responders and Covid patients.
Samantha reported on a Kaiser Foundation grant for a community outreach program to reduce mental health stigma. Mental health is often stigmatized in a variety of ways. Patients can feel reluctant to seek help because of these stigmas. The program allows Samantha and others to attend community events and educate the public about mental health, including the fact that most mental health issues are treatable. Between August and March, LifeWorks attended 15 community events to publicize its message. Samantha also noted that mental health consultants themselves are suffering. She updated us on the annual “non-event.” The annual fundraiser has been cancelled and LifeWorks is developing a new fundraising program. She said that they may include photos on their website of the stuffed bears many people are putting in their windows!
Henry deals with extreme behavior issues. Video conferencing is difficult with these patients, especially younger children. He is focusing more on speaking with parents, often helping them with distance learning problems. His youth video program has games, drawing, and other creative activities.
Thank you, Michelle, Samantha and Henry for the helpful and informative presentation. You are doing an amazing job! We would love to keep hearing from you.
