Suicide Prevention Newsletter

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MDH COVID-19 Resources

The Minnesota Department of Health has created a webpage with resources and information on Minnesota’s response to the coronavirus/COVID-19.

The situation is changing rapidly. Visit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information and follow MDH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay informed.

Supporting Mental Well-Being during COVID-19 Response

As things progress with COVID-19 prevention efforts, you or your loved ones may be experiencing increased stress and anxiety. Consider these tips to support your mental well-being during these uncertain times. It is important to be gentle with yourself and others, and to take steps to support both your own and your family’s mental well-being.

Taking care of your behavioral health: Tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak -- SAMHSA

Social distancing, or staying home and keeping apart from other people, is an important measure that can help reduce the spread of an infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. But humans are naturally social, and social distancing can make it challenging to maintain your mental well-being.  This tip sheet by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways to care for your behavioral and mental health during these experiences and provides resources for more help.

Crisis Hotlines and Text Lines

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis please reach out to any of the following resources.

• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (English and español)
  • TTY: 1-800-846-8517
  • Text: TalkWithUs to 66746 SMS
  • Español: “Hablanos” al 66746
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1- 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “MN” to 741741
• Minnesota Mobile Mental Health Crisis Line Call: **CRISIS (**274747). For landlines, see the directory for mental health crisis phone numbers in Minnesota by county.

MDH Multilingual Resources for COVID-19

MDH has a number of video PSAs, print materials, and translated documents to help share information regarding COVID-19. 

• The basic MDH overview of COVID-19 is now available in 20 languages (French, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Swahili, Tagalog, and Ukrainian were added to the existing languages since the last update).
• This one-page Health Care Resources document explains how to access health insurance and low-cost clinics. The document was created by MDH with input from MNsure and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. (Available in 20 languages: French, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Pashto, Swahili, Tagalog, and Ukrainian were added to the existing languages since our last update).
• The Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Poster is still available in seven additional languages will be added later this week.
• The video, How to Wash Your Hands, is now available in English and other languages will be added soon. 

Other New MDH Resources for COVID-19

• A Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Table Tent (PDF) is now available for download and printing. 
• A poster on Social distancing at work: Slow the spread of COVID-19 (PDF) is available showing appropriate social distancing at work 

To contribute to the Suicide Prevention Newsletter email Stephanie at Stephanie.J.Anderson@state.mn.us