Grant Halliburton Foundation
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line connects more than 300 telehealth providers to North Texans.
Through this pandemic, taking extra precautions to protect physical health, ironically, may lead to compromised mental health in many cases.
But it’s OK. That’s normal, experts say. What matters is how heightened anxiety, depression, addiction, or stress from self-quarantine is managed, and new outlets to address these circumstances through the COVID-19 crisis are cropping up.
From around the area
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line connects more than 300 telehealth providers to North Texans, thanks to a partnership between the Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Dallas County Medical Society.
This hotline aims to reach some of the more than half of Americans who, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, feel the coronavirus pandemic has hurt their mental wellbeing. Within 24 hours, callers get a specially-tailored list of resources in their area to aid whatever obstacles they face.
It’s designed for anyone to call, but a special focus on frontline workers and healthcare professionals risking their wellbeing was considered.
“Feeling anxious is part of a normal response to what’s going on for anyone,” says Blanca Garcia, director of mental health resources at Grant Halliburton Foundation, in a news release. “Now imagine being a frontline healthcare worker. They need support for their mental health, too. That’s where we can help.”
The number is 972-525-8181. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
From the state
Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) has also launched a hotline, a 24/7 statewide mental health support line tackling anxiety, stress, and emotional challenges surrounding COVID-19.
The Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line also aims to connect Texans with mental health professionals. This line is operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD.
Available free and confidentially, callers get “trauma-informed support and psychological first aid” to help treat stress and anxiety over COVID-19.
“It can be helpful to talk to someone when you are facing anxiety, depression and stress, which are not uncommon to experience in the face of a rapidly changing situation like a pandemic,” says Sonja Gaines, a deputy executive commissioner with THHS, in a written statement.
Call this hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll-free at 833-986-1919.
