Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

This past year has been a difficult time for all Americans. The effects of the unprecedented novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused mental and emotional hardships that stem from physical suffering, loss of loved ones and financial distress for many people.  Worry and stress over forced isolation, the health and safety of family and friends and financial loss results in anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, substance abuse and misuse, and suicide. Mental illness can affect anyone and can develop at any time. Its effects spread well beyond the individual to family, friends, and coworkers. Taking care of yourself, your family, and your friends can help you cope with life stressors. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Ways to Cope with Stress

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
• Take care of your body.
• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. 
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

People often do not get the mental health services they need because they do not know where to start. If you do not have a trusted friend, family member or clergy that you can talk to, speak with your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health issues and concerns. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services. Some state agencies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide confidential mental and emotional health consulting services for their employees and family members.

Other Resources:

• Georgia Mental Health Crisis:  800-715-4225
• Georgia COVID-19 Emotional Support:  866-399-8938

Last month, Georgia’s First Lady, Marty Kemp and the GRACE Commission (Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education Commission) worked in collaboration with the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) to develop a training program for state employees that is designed to increase awareness of human trafficking. Human Trafficking Awareness Training will help employees recognize potential behaviors of human traffickers and their victims, know how to report trafficking activity appropriately, and make a difference in the communities we live and serve.

State employees in many instances are uniquely situated to observe cases of suspected sexual exploitation.  With awareness training, you can become better informed and better positioned to help protect innocent children and other potential victims from this horrific crime.  

For this reason, it is the goal of Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady that all State employees contact their human resources department to view the training videos in their agency’s learning management system or internal train program.

Human trafficking, or modern-day slavery, represents an imminent threat throughout the world, with an estimated 1.5 million victims in the U.S. alone. Sex trafficking is one of the world’s largest criminal enterprises, involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. And it is everywhere – including urban, suburban and rural communities throughout Georgia.

Due to the importance of this training to the citizens of our state, employees are also encouraged to share it with friends and family. Training designed for the general public is available on the DOAS website. Human Trafficking Awareness links are found on the home page and under Human Resources Administration of the website.

October is National Fire Safety Month and everyone is encouraged to promote fire safety with these best practices.

• Ensure that your smoke alarms are working properly by performing monthly tests and replacing batteries at least once per year.
• Create a fire escape plan and practice home fire drills twice a year.
• Teach children about fire safety.
• Have a fire extinguisher available in case of emergency.
• Keep flammable materials in a safe area.
• Be alert in the kitchen.
• Blow out candles and store matches in a safe area, out of children’s reach.
• Do not over plug electrical outlets.
• Make digital copies of important documents.

In the event of a fire emergency, evacuate immediately, stay away from the area, and call 9-1-1 for help.