While the COVID-19 emergency has had widespread impact on the physical health of those infected, the pandemic’s impact on mental health has also been rampant – while perhaps not as noticeable.

Stay-home restrictions effect people differently, and for some, can heighten a feeling of isolation.

Also, many people have lost jobs and income during the COVID-19 emergency, which is an obvious stressor. Stress manifests differently in different people.

It is important that we look out for our neighbors who might be dealing with mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety.

Lancaster County has a wealth of resources for those feeling overwhelmed and depressed. (See the list below.)

Our emergency dispatchers and first responders have been vital in assisting people with emotional difficulties.

You can always call your local police department or 911 (in emergency situations) when you feel you or someone you know is in danger or a threat to themselves or others.

Since March 1, police and EMS crews have been dispatched to more than 300 reports of emotional distress/trauma – at locations across Lancaster County. A handful of those dispatches were for attempted suicides.

Think about it: That is about 40 responses a week.

Here are some other local help lines – all are available either by phone or with a simple click on a mobile device or computer.

- Crisis Intervention at 717-394-2631.

- National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

- Wellspan Philhaven at 1-800-932-0359 or 717-812-5405 (therapists are available, at certain times, without a scheduled appointment).

- Community Service Group (homelessness and mental illness assistance) at 717-293-5104.

- Spanish American Civic Association at 717-397-6267.

- Mental Health America 717-397-7461.

- National Alliance on Mental Health (for families of those with mental illness) at 717-293-9250.

- Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital at 717-740-4100.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office supports all of these community partners who recognize the additional stress and emotional toll prompted by COVID-19. We value their services, and our first responders, who continue to work so hard to keep our communities safe.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright