ESCANABA — U.P. residents have a variety of mental health services available to them, despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Both the winter months and holidays bring with them the potential for increased levels of depression, stress and anxiety. Added concerns over COVID-19 have resulted in a greater need for local mental health resources.

“Remarkably high — it’s a mental health pandemic as well as a virus pandemic,” said John M. Gagnon LMSW, ACSW, CAADC, Therapist II for Bellin Psychiatric Service-Escanaba clinic.

Gagnon said among those requesting mental health support are many who haven’t experienced depression or anxiety before. He likened the pandemic to the Hydra of Greek mythology — a monster with nine heads — because there are so many ways in which the pandemic is causing stress, anxiety, and fear. Among them:

– Fear of getting sick or dying

– Fear of giving the virus to someone else

– Adjusting to the magnitude of uncertainty around how long COVID-19 effects will go on, delaying events and restricting gatherings

– Taking care of and supporting family through the pandemic

– Concern about the health of friends and family

– Financial stress caused by COVID-19

– Isolation from not being able to connect with friends and family

– Shortages in necessities causing hoarding behavior

– Political divisiveness caused by the pandemic

With all of these factors influencing people’s ability to cope, it is important to be aware of ways to gauge stress levels for oneself, friends and family. Gagnon said we all need to take notice if feelings of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, or stress:

– Cause suicidal thoughts, which can be an indication of a stress disorder

– Are persistent. While anyone can have a bad day, but pay attention if negative feelings persist.

– Affect the quality or quantity of your sleep, or cause you to eat too little or too much

– Cause extreme fatigue

– Cause you to lose interest in things you used to enjoy

– Result in the inability to focus, such as while reading

– Cause a lot of muscle tension

– Lead to extreme pessimism

– Make you irritable or restless

Exercise can be helpful to reduce stress and help elevate mood, said Gagnon, adding the exercise doesn’t have to be intense. Something as simple as walking can help. Meditation can also help, but can be difficult when a person is feeling really rattled.

Those suffering from anxiety and/or depression are urged to take advantage of local or national sources of support. Pathways Community Mental Health covers Alger, Delta, Luce and Marquette Counties. The phone number to find out whether you qualify for services is (888) 906-9060. The phone number for 24/7 crisis support is (888) 728-4929.

Northpointe Behavioral Health covers Menominee, Iron and Dickinson counties. The phone number for Menominee customer service is 906-863-7841. The phone number for 24/7 crisis support is (800)750-0522, and crisis screenings are available at the nearest Michigan Emergency Department in Iron River, Iron Mountain, and Escanaba.

Hiawatha Behavioral Health covers Schoolcraft, Mackinac and Chippewa counties. The phone number for services is (800) 839-9443. The phone number for 24/7 crisis support is (800)839-9443.

DIAL HELP is a mental health resource that covers the U.P. and is available to those who are feeling very distressed or suicidal. They can be reached via several methods, including phone at (800)562-7622, text message at 35NEEDS or 9063563337, and live chat on their website at www.dialhelp.org.

Those looking for support can also dial the three-digit number 211 for free, confidential 24/7 community support of various kinds, including mental health resources. The service offers help through operators in over 180 languages, and can also be reached by texting your zip code to 898211 or online at www.mi211.org.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline, operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can be reached at (800)273-8255 and (800)784-2433. Those who are worried about a friend or family member can call for advice as well.

Gagnon said although the pandemic has spurred counseling services to provide more phone and video counseling options due to the decreased availability of in-person appointments, not everyone is comfortable with the new formats. As a result, not all who need help are reaching out. He advised those who are uncomfortable with phone or video counseling to contact their doctor for a familiar connection. Even speaking to the nurse at your doctor’s office can be helpful.

Those with health insurance may consider calling the phone number on the back of their insurance card for direction, which should also help to direct them to a provider who is compatible with their insurance coverage. Employees can also check their benefits to find out if their employer participates in an Employee Assistance Program, providing counseling at no cost.

Schools can be a good place to start if looking for counseling recommendations, including K-12 student services offices. Those enrolled at Bay de Noc Community College can access free confidential counseling by calling the Escanaba campus switchboard at (906)786-5802, the Iron Mountain switchboard at (906)774-8547. They can also go online for information at www.baycollege.edu by going to the Student Life tab and clicking the counseling services link under health and safety.

Gagnon advised veterans to consider contacting veterans affairs. The VA medical center out of Iron Mountain has a special crisis line at (906) 774-3300.

While there are those who are always uncomfortable sharing personal information with someone they have not met in person, some people find it easier to do so for the very same reason. Gagnon urged people to give phone and video counseling resources a chance, suggesting they may be more helpful than you expect. While research shows somewhat different outcomes between in-person counseling and alternatives, outcomes are equivalent enough that insurance companies are beginning to cover these alternatives, Gagnon said. He added there also seems to be more compliance in keeping online appointments, as they are often more convenient than in-person appointments.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Gagnon, urging people to try some of these suggestions instead of giving in to the fatalism and cynicism that nothing will help. Reminding that isolation will only make anxieties worse, he emphasized the importance of social support. “Think about how previous generations have gotten through prolonged periods of distress, like war. We sometimes forget that humans have the capacity to get through things, especially if we can get through them together,” Gagnon said.

Even if not everyone is able to take the COVID-19 vaccine, Gagnon said every person who does take it helps us all reach herd immunity faster. “There is hope in sight, try to remember this will not go on forever,” he said.