Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Although Anguilla currently has NO confirmed cases of COVID-19, many individuals may be experiencing increased levels of worry surrounding the uncertainty that this global pandemic poses for Anguilla, as well as to their families and friends overseas.

The potential emotional and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Anguillian population may be further amplified by some of the following challenges:

• Restricted social interaction due to quarantine or isolation requirements;
• Financial difficulties due to loss of employment;
• Challenges in the home; and
• Pre-existing difficulties with depression, anxiety or other mental and physical health challenges.

As an immediate response, Ministry of Health and Social Development has partnered with The Anguilla Red Cross and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to help address the mental health needs of the Anguillian population. The following support will be made available:

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Crisis Hotline:

The Anguilla Red Cross has made available a 24/7 Crisis Hotline to offer Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) which will be manned by mental health specialists and other professionals/volunteers trained in MHPSS. This team will act as advocates for children and adults dealing with challenges related to depression, anxiety, self- harm/suicide, safeguarding of children, and domestic violence.

In the event that other services are required, the hotline staff will act as a liaison between the individual and the other relevant professionals.

The MHPSS crisis hotline number is 1-264-584-0406. Calls, messages via texts and WhatsApp are accepted. Person who feel they have been exposed to COVID-19 are still encouraged to contact the COVID-19 hotline at 1-
264-476-7627 or 1-264-476-SOAP for immediate medical advice and attention.

Effective Coping Strategies

In the upcoming weeks, the MHPSS team will be sharing tips outlining effective coping strategies to promote good mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic on the www.beatcovid19.ai website, as well as the Anguilla Red Cross and Ministry of Health and Social Development Facebook pages.

Virtual Support Groups

A number of Facebook groups are being created to promote a sense of community togetherness during this difficult time. Persons are encouraged to join groups that fit their demographics and to be active members by sharing positive thoughts and helpful tips and experiences with other members.

We encourage everyone to practice self-compassion, stay active and remember that maintaining good mental health is imperative for us as a society to #beatcovid19.