Council President Parker encourages residents to call emotional support helpline if they are experiencing difficulties

Many people may be experiencing stress and other emotional difficulties as a result of the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Council President William Parker is urging residents who are in need of counseling or other resources to call the emotional support helpline (205–323–7777).

Isolation can have adverse affects on people who are dealing with mental illness and whose daily routines have been drastically altered. Nationwide, there have been roughly 17 million unemployment claims as a result of COVID-19 in the last three weeks. While many people find themselves temporarily without work, emotional and mental stress may begin to compound with other issues in their lives.

The 24/7 helpline is operated by counselors and volunteers who have completed extensive training and will provide assistance to anyone who is experiencing emotional distress.

“I think people are scared by the uncertainty of COVID-19 and at the same time might be feeling isolated from friends and family,” President Parker said. “The Council wants to be sure that our residents who are dealing with any emotional or mental distress as a result of this public health crisis have a resource they can call at any time of the day.”

More information on crisis resources can be found at https://crisiscenterbham.org/