Didi Hirsch is prioritizing support against election anxiety on World Mental Health Day

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (Didi Hirsch) highlights critical mental health challenges impacting the community, including election anxiety, substance use and overdose, suicide, and the impact of bullying and social media on youth.

“World Mental Health Day is an important reminder that mental wellness is a right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstances,” said Kristine Santoro, Ph.D., Chief Health and Innovation Officer at Didi Hirsch. “From managing election-related stress to supporting young people’s mental health, we are here to provide the tools and resources our communities need to thrive.”

Dealing with election-related anxiety and depression

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, this may cause significant psychological distress for many people during election season. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 65% of adults in the United States often or always feel drained by politics, while 55% often or always feel angry.

According to the American Psychological Association, nearly half of U.S. adults say politics is a major source of stress, leading to problems such as insomnia, irritability and obsessive thoughts, with separate studies showing that political events affect emotional reactivity and physical worsen health.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, operated by Didi Hirsch in Los Angeles and surrounding communities, is available 24/7 to anyone feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to be in a suicidal crisis to call 988; The service also provides immediate support for anyone struggling with anxiety, stress or feelings of depression related to the election.

“Our dedicated crisis counselors are here to listen without judgment and help people manage their stress,” said Shari Sinwelski, MS/EdS, LPCC, NCC, vice president of Crisis Care for Didi Hirsch. “You are not the only one feeling overwhelmed during this time, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference.”

Substance use and harm reduction

October is also National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Didi Hirsch, which provides integrated substance use and mental health services for youth and adults, has historically focused on substance use prevention and harm reduction. More than half of people with mental illness also suffer from a co-occurring substance use disorder.

Didi Hirschs About Avanta Established in 1979, the program (“The Way Forward”) was one of the first in the county to recognize the importance of keeping mothers and their young children together during treatment, providing essential support to both, and ending the cycle of addiction and trauma to break through.

The ongoing opioid crisis continues to devastate communities, but resources like Narcan distribution and medically assisted treatment (MAT) can save lives. Didi Hirsch's harm reduction programs provide critical overdose prevention services and treatment pathways for people struggling with substance abuse issues, and provide prevention and treatment services for individuals in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

“Through our residential treatment programs and harm reduction efforts, including Narcan distribution, we prevent overdoses and help people find long-term recovery,” said Stephanie Halpern, assistant medical director at Didi Hirsch. “Our goal is to equip individuals with the resources they need to reclaim their future.”

Young people's mental health and the impact of social media and bullying

Didi Hirsch also raises awareness of National Bullying Prevention Month and the negative impact of social media on youth mental health. Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent signing of a bill to protect children from social media addiction underscores growing concerns about how digital platforms can contribute to mental health issues such as cyberbullying, anxiety and isolation among youth.

With programs like Teen Line, Didi Hirsch provides peer-to-peer support for teens facing bullying, stress, and social media pressure. Teen Line provides a safe space for young people to discuss their challenges and access resources to support their mental health.

“Bullying and social media pressure can have a profound impact on teens, contributing to or worsening anxiety, depression and, in some cases, even suicidal ideation,” said Cheryl Eskin, senior director of Teen Line. “At Didi Hirsch, we are committed to helping young people overcome these challenges through compassionate peer support and therapeutic programs.”

Didi Hirsch is prioritizing support against election anxiety on World Mental Health Day

ByVanessa

By Vanessa

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