02/16/2023
COVID-19 and Mental Health
Maintaining one’s mental health is an essential part of achieving overall well-being, especially during times of crisis. During the height of the COVID pandemic, every facet of society was severely impacted. This intensified and sharply increased the growing problems that pre-existed COVID, such as addiction, dependency, su***de, depression, anxiety, other negative mental health impacts and domestic violence.
Prevalence of Mental Illness
The World Health Organization ranks mental health conditions, including alcohol and substance use disorders, as the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. 1 in 4 adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year (approximately 61.5 million Americans) and 1 in 17 adults live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Yet more than half will not seek treatment. Why?
The primary reason individuals fail to seek the help they need is due to the stigma associated with the disease of mental illness. Main reasons cited are shame and fear of judgment from friends, family and co‐workers. Such judgment is often rooted in a lack of knowledge or training.
Available Mental Health Assistance and Addiction Resources
Excellent resources are available for those seeking help. The links and the information about hotlines below may be helpful in connecting individuals who can benefit from talking to someone about how they are feeling or to get the help and support they need:
NJ 211
Information about virtual support groups and hotlines are available through various organizations: Call 211 or click https://www.nj211.org/mental-health-resources
988 Su***de and Crisis Line Number
New Jerseyans are now able to use 988 to reach the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline. 988 will be available for call, text, or chat to those experiencing a mental health-related or suicidal crisis, or those looking to help a loved one through a crisis. The existing Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will also continue to be available. The National Su***de Prevention Lifeline is available to persons of all abilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Providers rendering services to persons with IDD and/or TBI are reminded that 988 is distinct from 911. Under Danielle’s Law P.L. 2003, c.191, 911 must continue to be called in any situation where a prudent person could reasonably believe a life threatening emergency exists. More information on Danielle’s Law can be found here. For more information about 988, please visit the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline website. Additionally, a helpful Frequently Asked Questions document for persons with IDD can be found here.
NJ Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Call 1-844-276-2777 or click https://nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/home/hotlines/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration 24 Hour Hotline
1-800-985-5990
New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)
1-800-572-SAFE (7233)
Deaf Videophone: 1-855-812-1001
Text LOVEIS to 22522
https://njcedv.org/covid19/
New Jersey Mental Health Cares
1-866-202-HELP (4357)
8 A.M. to 8 P.M. 7 days a week
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
For more information on the disease of mental illness, visit www.nami.org
1-800-950-6264
naminj.org/online-support-groups
NAMI text helpline- Text NAMI to 741741 24/7
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
dbsalliance.org
Jersey Battered Women’s Service, Inc. (JBWS)
Text Line 973-314-4192
Hotline 973-267-4763
Mental Health America
mentalhealthamerica.net
Morris County Mental Health Resources
For information about resources in Morris County, visit the Morris County Human Services Stigma Free page.
Passaic County Mental Health Resources
For information about resources in Passaic County, visit the Passaic County Services page at:
https://www.passaiccountynj.org/departments/human-services/mental-health-and-addiction-services
COVID-19 Activity
The most prevalent COVID-19 variant now circulating is the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5.
At the moment, the total number of lab confirmed COVID positive cases are dropping rapidly. The main reasons are as follows:
• A sharp decline in the number of people contracting COVID
• A reliance on home COVID tests in which positive test results go unreported
• An increase in the numbers of symptomatic or exposed individuals who are choosing not to get tested at all.
For the latest Statewide COVID Activity Report that specifies the Risk Levels by County (usually updated by the State each Friday), please click the following link:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/covid/
Please see the links below for the NJDOH COVID Activity Dashboard, the NJ County COVID Activity Reports and the links to the Morris and Passaic County Health Department COVID Websites.
NJDOH Dashboard:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_dashboard.shtml
Statewide and Regional COVID Activity Report and Risk Level by County:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/statistics/covid/
Morris County-Based COVID Information including Data for Total Positive Cases by Municipality and COVID Testing Availability:
https://health.morriscountynj.gov/coronavirus/
Passaic County-Based COVID Information including Testing Availability:
https://www.passaiccountynj.org/departments/health/covid-19
Use of Masks and Other Important Safety Precautions
Masks
Please see the link below to the CDC recommendation for the use of masks indoor for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals especially when County transmission is substantial or high. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Other Important Precautions to Consider to Protect against Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19:
• Get vaccinated! (Flu and COVID)
• Get boosted! (Flu and COVID)
• Distance six or more feet when possible
• Wear masks/face coverings when appropriate, as recommend by the CDC in the link above
• Keep indoor spaces well ventilated to the greatest extent possible
• Practice hand hygiene
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Stay home when symptomatic
• Get tested when appropriate and recommended
• Follow all of the requirements and advisories set forth in the Executive Orders, Executive Directives and Travel Advisories that might be in effect.
• Adhere to isolation and quarantine recommendations
• Strengthen the immune system by:
o Getting good nutrition with a healthy diet. Consult your healthcare provider about supplementing with Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and zinc
o Getting enough sleep
o Exercising. Consult your physician about what regimen is best for you.
o Maintaining mental health and managing stress. Learn to recognize those times when you may need to employ destressing techniques or seek support.
o Keeping on schedule with healthcare visits
No vaccine is 100% effective. People must balance preventive actions with vaccination to reduce possible transmission and maintain safety. When making decisions about using precautions and getting vaccinated/boosted, consider a risk/ benefit approach based on age, overall health, underlying medical conditions and consultations with a healthcare provider.
People who have weakened immune systems should especially consider practicing precautions during this winter season or other times of substantial transmission of influenza, RSV and COVID. The combination of vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 and continued precautions to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection.
COVID-19 Testing Options
For All New Jersey Residents
No-Cost COVID Testing is Available
For more information, click on the following link: Find a list of free, public testing sites, including pop-up testing sites.
Morris County
For more information, please see the Morris County website at https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Residents/Health/Coronavirus/Get-a-Covid-19-Test
Passaic County
Passaic County offers At-home and Mobile COVID-19 PCR testing at no cost to people who want to be tested. Details may be found at https://www.passaiccountynj.org/departments/health/covid-19
Atlantic Health System
As COVID-19 and the Omicron variant continue to impact our community, Atlantic Health System has increased their testing capacity.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, please consider one of Atlantic Health System’s dedicated testing locations or other community testing sites listed on the following link: https://www.atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-testing.html.
Choosing between a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test can be confusing. Atlantic Health has created the attached graphic to help you choose the right test option for you and your family. COVID-19 testing is available for patients with or without symptoms at specific Atlantic Health locations. Find a community lab, testing center or urgent care testing location near you: https://bit.ly/3uQ9HEI
Additional Local Testing Site (not listed on the NJDOH website)
Doctor’s Urgent Care
Pompton Plains, NJ
https://www.njdoctorsurgentcare.com/
COVID-19 Vaccination
For Updated COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Information, please click on the following links:
NJDOH
https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine
Atlantic Health System
bit.ly/3qC2rfN
There are Multiple Ways to Get Vaccinated and Boosted. Appointment Based or Walk-up clinics are Now Easily Accessible. For up-to-date vaccine locations in New Jersey, please visit covid19.nj.gov/finder.
Quarantine and Isolation Recommendations of the NJDOH
For those who’ve tested positive (Isolation) or those who’ve been exposed to someone who tested COVID positive (Quarantine) please see the following NJDOH link:
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019_community.shtml
Travel
While the NJDOH has lifted its travel advisory, CDC travel guidelines are still recommended for domestic and international travel. For more CDC/NJDOH Travel Information and guidance, please follow the links below:
NJDOH
https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-and-transportation/are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey
CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
K thru 12 Schools, Childcare and Youth Camp Operations
K thru 12 schools, childcare facilities and youth camps have specific guidance unique to these institutions. The new Guidance for K-12, Childcare and Youth Camps may be found at the following link: COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for K-12 Schools, Childcare and Youth Camps
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. It can infect anyone, but it does not spread easily to people without close contact. The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Please click the following link for important information about the disease, its prevalence, treatment options that may be available and vaccination opportunities: https://www.nj.gov/health/monkeypox/
NJDOH is working in conjunction with CDC and local health departments, to quickly identify monkeypox cases and close contacts, provide treatment and vaccine, and further prevent the spread of disease. CDC is working with state and local health officials to monitor probable and confirmed cases within the country. Report confirmed or suspect cases immediately to the Local Health Department. Monkeypox infections drastically declined over the last several months and have stabilized.
US Response to the Ebola Outbreak in Uganda – Outbreak Declared Over on January 11, 2023
From October 6, 2022, until January 11, 2023, the United States redirected travelers from Uganda to five U.S. airports to screen them for the Ebola virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted temperature checks and risk assessments on those who had been in Uganda over the previous 21 days, which is the incubation time of the deadly Ebola virus. State and local public health officials performed symptom monitoring and follow up for 21 days after their arrival, up until the Ebola outbreak was declared over on January 11, 2023.
The airports were: JFK International Airport in New York, Washington Dulles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information on the outbreak and the US response please see the following link:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s1018-ebola-outbreaks-uganda.html #:~:text=The%20U.S.%20has%20not%20restricted,within%20the%20last%2021%20days.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Outbreaks
Respiratory syncytial (sin-sish-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild , cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than one year of age in the United States. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include
• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants, the only symptoms of RSV, may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. RSV infections are currently declining. For up to date information on the outbreak, please click the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/nrevss/rsv/state.html
Influenza
According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and the health of your loved ones. Flu season is upon us. It began in October and will continue into early spring (peaking in January and February). All residents are encouraged to be aware and to take precautionary and preventative measures. That includes getting your flu vaccine. Influenza infections are currently in decline. While not at peak transmissions at the moment, the virus is still circulating. Please see the following link about influenza and the precautionary and preventative measures that will be helpful in reducing the spread of the disease. https://www.nj211.org/get-flu-ready
Executive Orders and Executive Directives
Please note, Executive Orders or Executive Directives may be issued by the Governor or the Commissioner of Health at any time to establish or relax restrictions on certain businesses, institutions, social activities and gatherings. For up to date and more complete information, please refer to the entire contents of the Executive Orders and Executive Directives listed at the links below.
Please see the link below for all Executive Orders to date:
https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/approved/eo_archive.shtml
Please see the link below for an up to date list of Executive Directives of the NJDOH:
https://www.state.nj.us/health/legal/covid19/
“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
— Marie Curie
A compendium of temporary waivers issued by the NJ Dept of Health during the COVID-19 emergency
