We’re all adapting to new work and living environments right now. A deluge of breaking news updates, more concentrated hours at home, an increase in idle hours, and a whole host of uncertainty has added to the overall stress levels for many across the world. While we continue to be alone together through portals like Zoom, FaceTime and Skype, it’s hard not to feel a bit lost on our own islands.

In times like these, it’s important to remember there are resources available to you in the Tampa Bay region. I don’t just mean an empathetic ear; I mean professional help. Metro Inclusive Health, a nonprofit serving residents of all ages in the region, has moved its services online and now provides Telehealth for those most in need. These services feel especially relevant during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Getting help from the safety of home 

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the distribution of health services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It allows remote patient and clinician contact for treatment, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, and monitoring. It’s the distillation of so many essential services from home.

Metro Inclusive Health offers virtual, accessible individual and group therapy services for those in need. Use METRO TeleHealth to visit with a licensed therapist from the safety and comfort of your home.

Psychiatric evaluations and services available with TeleHealth 

METRO’s TeleHealth services branch beyond just talk therapy.

In times of isolation, dealing with clinical depression can pose a serious obstacle. Depression is different for everyone, too. Finding the right treatment is a personal journey. Some conditions can be treated with talk therapy alone or in addition to medications. Medications are prescribed and closely monitored for effectiveness and symptom relief. Metro Inclusive Health Behavioral Health department provides this service via a Psychiatric APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) for evaluation, medication management, and monthly follow-ups.

Prescriptions are available by no-contact delivery to your door or regular mail.

Making the decision to focus on your mental wellness is a tough one, and the process isn’t always easy. I spoke with Laura Rosenbluth, MS, LMFT, Director of Behavioral Health at METRO to learn some tips to combat isolation.

Separating your work space and your leisure space 

One of the first tips Rosenbluth offered for those working at home is to put up partitions between your work space and your leisure space. Not physical partitions of course, but rather invisible barriers between the space where you work and the spaces where you choose to unwind. If the two intercede on one another it could become difficult to escape daily stressors.

To the best of your ability, try and regiment your day around some sort of clock-in and clock-out dynamic. Allow yourself the space and time to recharge.

Rosenbluth also recommends you work to identify your own stress/anxiety triggers. It’s important to note that these can be very different for everyone. Those struggling should try and focus on the fact this our current circumstance is not permanent. Don’t submerge yourself in the mire of the moment.

Reach out to your loved ones 

Be ready and open to reaching out to people in your life who mean something to you. Phone calls, FaceTime, email and writing letters all have significant value right now.

Most importantly, remember you’re not alone. Metro Inclusive Health has a whole host services and team members ready hear you, and help you. Learn more by visiting Metro Inclusive Health’s website.

Follow METRO on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on services.