Reaching Out For Help During the Pandemic

2020 has been a stressful year for all of us: the isolation, health concerns, financial instability, and adaptations to a “new normal” of the COVID pandemic, as well as the raw, reopened wounds of racial inequality. At times, we may feel we’re in an overheated pressure cooker ready to explode.

Some 332 members may suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia,?irritability, headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, concentration issues, uncontrolled anger, panic attacks, or even thoughts of suicide. If any of these problems interfere with your work or daily life, I encourage you to seek professional assistance.

There is no shame in asking for help. Research shows that mental health directly prolongs physical health, and many professional athletes seek psychological guidance to achieve peak performance.

Reach out to a friend, family member, or healthcare professional for support. Both the self-funded and Kaiser health plans have resources. There are also hotlines if you feel desperate. The numbers are below.

Remember, every circumstance is temporary. You are not alone; there are people who care. With honesty and compassion, we can all help each other. I encourage you to reach out to other members, and if you see a brother or sister who might be struggling, let them know you’re there. The late Bill Withers said it best: “Lean on Me.”

In solidarity,
Brett McClure
Safety Committee Chairman

P.S. As a Local 332 member, you have access to mental health services as part of your health plan (see left margin). Here are some additional websites related to mental health to get information:

• Mental health in the pandemic, visit bit.ly/verywell-covid
• Coping with stress, visit bit.ly/cdc-stress
• Mental health warning signs, visit bit.ly/nami-warning-signs
• For thoughts of suicide, do not hesitate to call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 855-278-4204, or visit scchope.org

Local 332 Plans
Mental Health Resources