SAN ANTONIO – The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the lives of all Americans, and it will continue to do so. It has disrupted work, education, health care, the economy, and relationships, with some groups more negatively impacted than others.
Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
To help the San Antonio community during this difficult time, KSAT Community hosted a virtual mental health town hall on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. with three panelists answering commonly asked questions over mental health. This online event is available in full in the video player above.
The panelists include Talli Dolge, CEO of Jewish Family Service (JFS), Evita Morin, CEO of Rise Recovery and Professor Ralph Riviello and Chair of Emergency Medicine at University Health and UT Health San Antonio.
Still have more questions about mental health? Let us know in the prompt below.
RELATED: KSAT Explains: Your mental health in 2021 amid COVID pandemic
Warning Signs of Mental Illness by Kiersten on Scribd
Do you need help with a substance-related issue?
You are not alone. Call Rise Recovery directly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 210-227-2634 or for help finding local resources for addiction across Bexar County, Rise Recovery and other nonprofit agencies operate a 24-hr Recovery Helpline at 210-SAY-CARE (210-729-2273).
Top five “Good Reads” to explore, restore and recover, recommended by Evita Morin
1. High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction by David & Nic Sheff
2. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk, MD
3. Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh
4. Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott
5. Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker
Hotline resources for mental health:
- 24-Hour Crisis & Substance Use Helpline: Call 800-316-9241 or 210-223-SAFE (7233)
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor - Crisis Text Line
Top five mental health and wellness books for 2021, recommended by Talli Dolge
- Get Out Of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self Defeating Behavior by Mark Goulston and Phillip Goldberg
- Detox Your Thoughts by Andrea Bonior, PHD
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Branch
- The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook (7th Edition) by Edmund J. Bourne
- Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help You Grow by Elizabeth Lesser
Read more:
Tips on how to properly wear a mask
Your questions answered: COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Texas
Spotlight: Jewish Family Service of San Antonio
If you are interested in receiving mental health counseling, Jewish Family Service offers affordable resources.
KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.