For many, safeguarding mental health is an ongoing challenge; others may experience sudden-onset feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression.
No one is immune; for older adults, the issue is especially significant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates are rising particularly among those age 65 and older for reasons ranging from depression to grief over the passing of loved ones to chronic illness.
Talking about or taking control of mental health can be tough, whether the difficulty is rooted in fear of stigma, lack of understanding behind unfamiliar feelings, worry over finding the right resources or something else entirely.
However, help is always near, and resources are there when and if you need them.
Confidential Social Services Right Here
The Village’s Social Services Division provides assessments, resources, referrals and much more to residents to help them maintain independence and enhance their quality of life. The team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 949-597-4267.
Many Resources Can Help
- Friendship Line California: A 24/7 crisis intervention hotline and a warm line for nonemergency emotional support calls; 888-670-1360
- National Alliance of Mental Illness/NAMI Orange County: Provides peer mentor programs and online support groups via Zoom; namioc.org
- NAMI Orange County Warmline: This free, confidential telephone service provides emotional support and Orange County resources 24/7 at 714-991-6412 (call or text)
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863 to receive free and confidential support 24/7
- OCLinks: Provides telephone and online support for anyone seeking information or linkage to any of the OC Health Care Agency’s behavioral health services; 855-625-4657; ochealthinfo.com/oclinks
- Call 211 from any phone in OC for help with anything from legal aid to mental health emergencies to housing and transportation.
- Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained crisis counselor. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer crisis counselor.
Many therapists and counselors offer telehealth services. If you already have a counselor or therapist (even if you haven’t seen them in a while), call their office and ask about telehealth services or virtual counseling/therapy.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
