Mental Health & COVID-19

March 23, 2020

Self Care and Mental Health in the time of Coronavirus

We are living through a surreal time in history, one full of anxiety and uncertainty. While we may welcome unexpected time together with family members, the challenge of being in the house working, learning and living all together can be overwhelming at times.

As we enter a period when non-essential businesses and public spaces are closed, we are asked to stay home unless leaving for food, medical and required work purposes (yes, you can go for a walk outside!), and we need to keep at least 6 feet of space from others, we will all need to work even harder to remain connected and healthy – mentally, physically and emotionally and to support our family members who might be struggling.

For Adults

Mental health, domestic violence, suicide and addiction aren’t taking a vacation while we are all at home. In person meetings, groups and appointments are not available, but there are plenty of resources available virtually and online. While we practice social distancing to help #FlattentheCurve, remember it doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Reach out if you need help. Now more than ever we are learning to depend on one another for support and our well-being.

  • The Hub CT serves as a Clearinghouse for many local resources
  • The Center for Family Justice is available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
    • Domestic Violence Hotline – (203) 384-9559
    • Sexual Assault Hotline – (203) 333-2233
  • Suicide Prevention
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1(800) 273-TALK
    • Prevent Suicide CT for information and resources
  • Addiction / Recovery Resources

For Children and Teens

Self-care is so important and for those of you with children at home, helping them through this crisis is part of your role as well. I am honored to serve as the chair of Fairfield’s local prevention council, Fairfield CARES. Our volunteer team has assembled some helpful resources about how to speak with your young people about what is happening. You can find those links here, and follow Fairfield Cares on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for ongoing support and information during this time.

Data Updates on Testing in Connecticut

As of today, a total of 415 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Cases have been reported in all 8 Connecticut counties, with 8 cases here in Fairfield and 74 in neighboring Westport. Fifty-four patients were hospitalized, and 10 residents have died.

 County Laboratory Confirmed Cases Hospitalized Cases Deaths
 Fairfield County 270 20 6
 Hartford County 61 13 2
 Litchfield County 13 2 0
 Middlesex County 8 4 0
 New Haven County 41 12 0
 New London County 4 1 0
 Tolland County 16 2 2
 Windham County 2 0 0
 Total 415 54 10

For several additional charts and tables on testing performed in Connecticut, including a town-by-town breakdown of positive cases in each municipality, click here.

Governor Lamont has now added a Comprehensive Guide to the State's Coronavirus Response on the CT Portal. For answers to frequently asked questions please click here. The guide will be updated regularly.