Your family's guide to being smart, safe, healthy, and prepared for any Rhode Island or national emergency including covid, flu, fire, hurricane, and more!
MENTAL HEALTH
The Pandemic was STRESSFUL.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was stressful for many people and affected us all. Fear and anxiety about the disease and all of the changes, unknowns, and "what if's" were overwhelming and caused strong emotions in both adults and children. Looking back, we have learned a great deal. Coping with stress in a healthy way will help us, the people we care about, and our community stay strong.
Stress during an times of illness can sometimes cause the following:
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Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
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Changes in sleep or eating patterns
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Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
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Worsening of chronic health problems
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Worsening of mental health conditions
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Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE; HELP IS AVAILABLE ...
More Immediate Crisis Help:
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Call 911 for immediate help.
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BH Link: 401-414-5465 or www.bhlink.org For adults in mental health or substance use crisis. For walk -in: 975 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI.
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Kids' Link RI is a 24/7 hotline for parents and caregivers to get information on behavioral health services for children in crisis. Call 1-855-543-5465 to learn about options for treatment and counseling in Rhode Island. For under 18 call KidLink: 855-543-5465
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Butler Hospital Behavioral Health Service Call Center, available 24/7 at 1-844-401-0111
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Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
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National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
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National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
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The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
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Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health
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SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
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Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centers
Mental Health Resources
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Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
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https://adaa.org/finding-help/coronavirus-anxiety-helpful-resources
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https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/
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Safe Call Now (for first responders and their families) Tel: 1-206-459-3020
Peace Love Studios
PeaceLove, a movement of hope and support for communities impacted by mental health disorders, helps people create peace of mind through expressive arts and a symbol of hope.
(Also visit the Self Care page for ways to deal with stress.)
IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP:
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Call 911. If unable to call, text 911 with your address.
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Call RI Victims of Crime Helpline, available 24/7, at 800-494-8100.
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Go to the hospital emergency department as soon as possible if you’ve survived a sexual assault. If you need help with this process, contact Day One at 401-421-4100.
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Access the 24/7 Chat Helpline available through www.ricadv.org.
To report CHILD or ELDER ABUSE:
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Report child abuse to 1-800-RI-CHILD.
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Report abuse of a person age 60 years or older to the Office of Healthy Aging at 401-462-0555.
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Are you or someone you know experiencing a substance use or mental health crisis? Call BH Link at 401-414-LINK (5465) and connect with a licensed counselor, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hablamos español.
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Visit Prevent Overdose RI for information about local treatment and recovery support services (español, português), overdose prevention resources (español, português), and more.
100 COPING SKILLS - Click HERE!
SURVIVOR ABUSE RESOURCES:
This can be a dangerous time for people who live with an abuser. Help for survivors is available. Please reach out so you can get help. Also, Rhode Island law requires the mandatory reporting of known or suspected child abuse or neglect to 1-800-RI-CHILD.
Rhode Island:
RI Victims of Crime Helpline
800-494-8100
RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(401) 467-9940
Day One
(401) 421-4100
Providence Area:
Women's Center of Rhode Island
(401) 861-2760
Sojourner House
(401) 658-4334
Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center
(401) 723-3057
Kent County, Cranston, Johnston,
Scituate and Foster:
Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center
(401) 738-1700
Washington County:
Domestic Violence Resource Center
(401) 782-3990
Newport and Bristol County:
Women's Resource Center
(401) 846-5263
Elder Abuse:
In Rhode Island, reporting elder abuse is mandatory. To report abuse, please call protective services within the Department of Elderly Affairs at 401-462-0555.
In a true emergency, please dial 911.
St. Elizabeth Haven for Elder Justice
https://www.stelizabethcommunity.org/Our-Services/Safe-Haven-for-Elder-Abuse-Victims
401-739-2844, X36
A program within St. Elizabeth Community that offers a safe place for an elderly victim of abuse to stay for a short period of time.
More Resources & Articles on Abuse & Violence:
"When Lockdown is Not Actually Safer: Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19" by Eve Valera, PhD
"Are You Being Abused" - from WIH
"Personalized Safety Plan For Leaving" - from WIH
"Obstacles For Leaving A Violent Relationship" - from WIH
Resources from the RI Department of Health for survivors of Violence during the Coronavirus Pandemic - CLICK HERE!
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Resources on Grief:
"Grief and Loss" from the CDC
Boys & Girls Clubs
"Helping Teens Deal With Grief and Loss"
Friends Way
Rhode Island's only bereavement center dedicated to serving children and teens, ... to discuss how to talk about grief and loss with children during COVID-19.
Compassionate Friends
The mission of The Compassionate Friends: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.
Hope Health
888-528-9077
Virtual Support Groups and Resources Click Here
Red Cross Virtual Assistance Center Click Here
If you need to talk with someone,
Connect with the Red Cross immediately by calling us
toll-free at 833-492-0094.
Language services for non-English speaking callers will be provided.
Carson's Village
877-789-0722
Carson's Village helps families deal with complexities of loss, from organizing and paying for a funeral to healing from loss through therapy and every step in between.
Helpful Articles and More:
Coronavirus, Kids and Signs of Stress
by Sarah Hagin, PhD, Bradley Hospital
Mindful Living: Tips to Find Inner Peace During the Pandemic
by Dr. Lisa Langer, PhD
"Dealing With Anxiety During a Pandemic"
Rhode Island Strong.
We are strongest when we work together, whether it's wearing a mask in public, checking in on an elderly neighbor, preparing a meal for an exhausted front line worker ... I've heard so many wonderful stories of kindness. If you have a story to share or strategies that could be helpful to others ... we're asking you to please send them our way. We'll include this information on the Rhode Island Strong page (CLICK HERE!). Thank you for caring and thank you for sharing!
Rhode Island Stronger.
ChildMind.Org: We know parents are struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone.
Supporting Your Kids
Helping Kids Face the Challenges of Reopening
This summer will be scary for some kids, frustrating for others. How to help them deal.
Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis?
Trauma, resilience and how parents can help.
How to Help Siblings Get Along
Navigating challenges as we head into summer.
Teenagers and Reopening
Tips for helping kids stay safe during a confusing time.
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Kids worry more when they’re kept in the dark. Here’s what to say.
Supporting Kids Through the COVID-19 Crisis
Tips for nurturing and protecting children at home.
Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis
Tips for parents with older children at home.
How to Help Your Kids Handle Disappointment
Tools for coping during the coronavirus crisis.
How to Ask What Kids Are Feeling
Ways to get insight into how your kids are handling stressful times.
How Mindfulness Can Help During Times of Illness
Tips for calming anxiety during a difficult time.
Coping With Illness: Specific Concerns
How to Help Kids Sleep
There are several ways to say goodbye to bad nights.
Summer Activities for Kids With Learning Disorders
How to keep kids active and engaged.
Summer and ADHD: A Survival Guide
School’s out, but children still need support and structure to thrive during the coronavirus crisis.
Anxiety and Coping With the Coronavirus
Managing worry — your kids’ and your own.
Giving Kids With ADHD Support and Structure During the Coronavirus Crisis
Managing attention (yours and theirs) will help kids thrive.
Signs of Depression During the Coronavirus Crisis
Kids who seem to be stuck in a negative mood may need help to bounce back.
Screen Time During the Coronavirus Crisis
What limits are appropriate when kids are stuck at home?
Coping With Social Anxiety During Social Distancing
Helping reluctant kids stay connected.
Teaching Social Skills at Home
How kids can learn and grow during social distancing.
Taking Care of Yourself
Parenting Disagreements
Strategies to reduce conflict about staying safe.
Managing Anxiety
With so many difficult decisions to make, some strategies to help you stay calm.
Self-Care in the Time of Coronavirus
For parents, prioritizing your own well-being benefits your whole family.
Managing Anger and Frustration
Parents everywhere are losing their temper and yelling at their kids. How to maintain your cool under stress.
Telehealth
Telehealth for Kids
Everything parents need to know about remote mental health treatment.
How to Find a Telehealth Provider for Your Child
Tips for parents seeking remote mental health treatment.
Autism and the Coronavirus
Resources for Families of Children on the Spectrum
From how to talk to kids with autism about the coronavirus to how to teach handwashing and develop schedules.
Remote Learning
Strategies for Supporting Learning at Home
We know how difficult this situation can be for children of any age. We offer these guidelines and strategies from our experts to help families support their children’s education at this time.
Family Resources for Remote Learning
Clinicians from our Learning and Development Center have organized resources for parents who are suddenly responsible for the home school environment.
Managing Anxiety
Anxious Stomach Aches and Headaches
Anxiety in children sometimes manifest physically. Here’s what to watch for.
How to Help Children Manage Fears
Tips for teaching children how to build resilience and learn to calm themselves down, even when things feel scary.
Tips for Calming Anxious Kids
Go-to techniques for coaxing anxiety-prone children out of their fears from a Mom who’s been there.
How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids
Help yourself, and them, by learning techniques to manage stress in a healthy way.
How Anxiety Leads to Disruptive Behavior
Kids who are acting out, melting down, or being defiant may actually be seriously anxious.
What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious
How to respect their feelings without empowering their fears.
Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them
Knowing what to look for and how to help children calm down is key.
The Power of Mindfulness
How a meditation practice can help kids (and parents) feel less anxious and more relaxed.
Discipline and Behavior
Why Do Kids Have Problems With Transitions?
A look at why being asked to switch gears is a common trigger for whining and tantrums.
How Can We Help Kids With Transitions?
With the right support, children can learn to change gears without whining and tantrums.
Three Common Parenting Traps
And tips for avoiding them.
Why do Kids Have Tantrums and Meltdowns?
Understanding why they happen can help parents head problems off before they escalate.
How to Discipline Toddlers
Setting and enforcing consistent limits is key.
How To Make Time Outs Work
Tips for using them effectively.
When Siblings Won’t Stop Fighting
How parents can keep the peace and help kids learn to resolve conflicts.
Coronavirus Parenting: Managing Anger and Frustration
Parents everywhere are losing their temper and yelling at their kids. How to maintain your cool under stress
Dealing With Loss (see above for Grief Resources)
Helping Children Cope With Grief
Tips broken down into a range of ages and experiences, and information about what to say, who should say it, what to look out for and how to help.
How to Handle Holidays After a Death in the Family
Grief can make special days harder
What Is PTSD?
The disorder looks different in children as they develop
Treatment for PTSD
There are several evidence-based therapies for young people with PTSD
