The Charbonneau Villager Newspaper 2020_May issue_Villager newspaper | Page 16

16 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER May 2020 Resources available for emotional health instability By CITY OF WILSONVILLE As communities experience the emotional weight of an unprecedent- ed public health crisis, there are ma- ny stressors — financial burden, ill- ness, unemployment, confinement, concern for loved ones, etc. — that may adversely affect peoples’ mental health and well-being. General mental health guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) includes minimizing or avoiding expo- sure to news that causes distress, de- veloping daily routines, maintaining connection to people within existing so- cial networks, engaging in healthy ac- tivities, and getting proper sleep and nutrition. In Clackamas County, mental health professionals and public safety officials are bracing for an increase in depres- sion, anxiety, violence, abuse, suicidal ideation and other mental health condi- tions. They provide a reminder that anyone in crisis is a phone call away from help. “We recognize that some people are struggling with unique and difficult cir- cumstances,” said Wilsonville Police Chief Robert Wurpes. “Our officers are trained and available to help communi- ty members experiencing a crisis.” Social distancing may provide a sig- nificant obstacle for people accustomed to regular check-ins with friends and family members. Wurpes encourages people to get creative about staying in touch. “Whether it’s telephone, video chat or text, we encourage everyone to con- tinue check in with the people you care about,” he said. Clackamas County health profession- als are available by phone around the clock to provide critical assistance to anyone in crisis. To learn more, visit clackamas.us/behavioralhealth or uti- lize the resources listed below. n Domestic abuse: Outbreaks and di- sasters frequently lead to increases in domestic, sexual and gender-based vio- lence. If you are the victim of domestic or sexual violence, there is help avail- able. Clackamas County’s Family Jus- tice Center is closed, but the 24/7 crisis line is staffed. Call 503-654-2288. ■ If you are in immediate danger, or a life-threatening situation, call 911. If you need law enforcement assis- tance, call non-emergency at 503-655- 8211. ■ Protective Orders can be obtained at the Clackamas County Courthouse or through Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program 503-655-8616. ■ National Sexual Assault 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) ■ National Domestic Violence 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800- 799-7233) ■ Anxiety and depression: A number of resources are available to people ex- periencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation or other manifestations of mental health crisis. Clackamas County Behavior Health offices are closed, but individuals in cri- sis may call the 24/7 crisis and support line, 503-655-8585. The non-emergency number is: 503-742-5335. A resource guide is also available. Lines for Life’s suicide lifeline is available to call at all hours for free, confidential and anonymous help. Trained staff and volunteers provide immediate assistance, compassionate support, and resource referrals that can put you on a path to healing. Call 800- 273-8255. ■ Oregon Youthline, 877-968-8491, or text teen2teen to 839863 ■ Senior Loneliness Line, 503-200- 1633, provides 24/7, free, and confiden- tial support to older adults. ■ The Trevor Project Suicide Preven- tion Lifeline for LGBTQ youth, 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386) ■ Trans Lifeline’s Peer Support Hot- line, 877-565-8860, provides peer support service run by trans people. ■ Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273- 8255; press No. 1 ■ Child abuse: If a child’s life is in danger, call 911. Otherwise, you can re- port abuse or neglect by calling local law enforcement in Wilsonville (503- 655-8211), Clackamas County (971-673- 7112) or using the statewide Child Abuse Hotline, 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). Suspicion is enough to warrant a call; hotline screeners are trained to help guide callers through the process. Learn more about available services and resources from the Children’s Cen- ter of Clackamas County.