Column: ’Tis the season for a little self-care

With the holidays already upon us, one thing is certain this year – the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on millions of Californians, causing us to rethink so much of our daily lives, including reprioritizing family time and our mental health. The holiday season may add more challenges to parents who are balancing career, teacher and caregiver duties, as well as dealing with unanticipated illness, burnout and unemployment. Each of these challenges, for some of us, can make the season feel like the added pressures are insurmountable.

Mental illness and anxiety caused by stress are more common than people may perceive, among both adults and children, and a parent’s mental state can impact children in a stressed household, too. According to the California Health Care Foundation, nearly one in six California adults experience a mental illness of some kind, and one in 13 children has an emotional disturbance that limits participation in daily activities.

A Gallup study conducted earlier this year found three in 10 parents said their child already experienced emotional or mental health challenges due to the impacts of social distancing restrictions, while an additional 37% expressed concerns their child’s mental well-being would be affected in the coming weeks and months. Nine months into the pandemic, and with the holidays upon us, many families, especially those in rural communities, can often face increased barriers to accessing mental health care. A 2019 report by the Rural Policy Research Institute found the prevalence of mental, behavioral or developmental disabilities was 18.6% for children ages two through eight who live in rural communities, proving many already experienced mental health concerns even before the onset of the pandemic.

A recent California HOPE (CalHOPE) survey of California’s local First 5 county commissions on how they are prioritizing mental health resources locally found nearly 95% indicated a medium or greater prioritization of family mental health, with 64% placing it as a high priority, and more than 15% saying it was their highest priority. For First 5 El Dorado, which is dedicated to supporting families of children ages five and under, parent/family mental health is a high priority.

Local First 5 commissions continue to take an active role in supporting their communities, with 97% indicating support or referrals to individual crisis counseling services, and 79% support or make referrals to group crisis counseling. Almost 90 percent indicated either operating, supporting or referring to a service referral hotline, available to families in need. While 74 percent indicated either operating or collaborating with those who develop and distribute of mental health-related education materials locally. All of which are the case in El Dorado County.

“California’s families, particularly those living in rural communities, are facing unprecedented circumstances,” said Camille Maben, executive director of First 5 California, which partnered with CalHOPE to gather the survey results via local First 5 county commissions. “The pandemic, the economic recession, the tensions and anguish from racial injustice, and this year’s wildfires have pushed many Californians to the brink. If you are living with a mental illness, it can be overwhelming, and this data reinforces that we have been and must continue to deliver these essential resources and services to the counties and families who need them most.”

One resource available for families is the recently relaunched First 5 California Parent Website, with its focus on current and important topics, allowing users to browse by children’s age groups and find helpful resources, activities and videos. It even includes a section on parenting during COVID-19.

As we head into the holidays this year, children may feel a little disconnected or anxious, and it’s important to know there is help available nearby. A resource in El Dorado County is the Community Hubs “Warmline,” at 833-332-4827. Community Hubs offers classes, groups and activities for expectant parents and families with children ages 0-18, staffed by a team of family engagement, literacy and health specialists. More information can be found at www.first5eldorado.com/community-hubs.

It’s important now and possibly more than ever to spend some time caring for our mental health. Be sure to check in on friends, family members and children. Talk openly about self-care, and explore available mental health resources. If you or someone you know needs a shoulder to lean on, seek help sooner rather than later. Helpline counselors are available at (833) 317-HOPE (4673) for anyone in need.

If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the crisis text line at 741741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7. If danger is imminent, dial 9-1-1.