Inslee talks about mental health resources for Washingtonians during disasters
Gov. Jay Inslee and mental health experts talked Thursday about the importance of Washingtonians seeking help when they need it and looking out for one another during disasters.
“The ongoing pandemic, the historic protests for change, the wildfires, the bad air quality, the loss of our loved ones — people are fighting for their lives, their livelihoods and their homes,” Inslee said during the virtual press conference. “It’s a lot to take in, and that’s tough.”
He said it’s normal not to feel OK and that it’s important to look for signs and symptoms in ourselves and others that it’s time to ask for help.
The state Department of Health says more than 3 million Washingtonians will likely have “clinically significant behavioral health symptoms during this time,” he said. About 7.6 million people live in Washington, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census.
People experiencing stress can call the Washington Listens support line at 833-681-0211.
Those who feel they need immediate help can call 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747). A crisis counselor is also available by texting HOME to 741741.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255.
“You’re doing the right thing for yourself and your loved ones if you consider getting help if you think it makes sense,” the governor said.
Dr. Kira Mauseth, a co-leader of the Behavioral Health Strike Team for the Washington State Department of Health, was one of the experts who joined Inslee on the call.
She said feeling distracted, being quicker to anger and having emotional responses to things we otherwise might not are known effects of experiencing a disaster.
The fourth quarter of 2020 is heading into what disaster science calls the “disillusionment phase,” Mauseth said — six to nine months in when people struggle to accept what a new normal looks like.
“Not a single brain is immune to that,” she said. “All of us are in that together.”
Mauseth noted it coincides with seasonal affective issues as the weather changes.
She said ingredients for “active resilience” to get in front of depression are hope, connecting with other people, figuring out what motivates you during these times and flexibility and adaptability.
“The data show that resilience is by far the most common outcome to disasters, and that most people will return to their baseline level of functioning within about 12 to 16 months,” she said.
Court ruling in mail case
The governor also talked about an injunction granted by a federal judge in Yakima Thursday, who he said “ordered the U.S. Postal Service to stop any changes that could slow election mail across the country.”
Inslee called the order a “win for democracy.”
It’s part of a lawsuit brought by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and 13 other states.
Inslee also spoke about the state’s request for a federal major disaster declaration due to damage from the wildfires.
“I am specifically requesting FEMA provide individual and public assistance for Whitman county declarations, including shelter for those displaced by evacuations,” he said. “We will be requesting public assistance for additional counties we hope in the coming weeks, when we’re able to conduct the necessary damage assessments.”
He said most of the wildfires in the state have been contained, and thanked the firefighters doing that work.
British Columbia is sending 200 firefighters to be available to help on the West Coast as needed, Inslee said. And he noted a drop of fire retardant from Canada saved a home in Ferry County.
“That’s a good neighbor,” Inslee said. “... We will respond in kind as needed, of course.”
Inslee was asked about apples he brought across the state while visiting areas affected by wildfires, accidentally violating the state’s apple maggot quarantine. Officials in Douglas County, which is a “pest-free area,” later said some were found to have apple maggot larvae.
The governor said he and his wife picked apples from their tree to bring as a gesture, to let those affected by the wildfires know “that they’re not alone.”
Inslee said he’s told most of the fruit has been recovered.
“Obviously we regret that mistake, and we hope people’s awareness of this situation is raised by this,” he said.
This story was originally published September 17, 2020 at 5:55 PM.
