Behavioral Health

COVID-19 has forced everyone to adjust to a "new normal," making us change the way we interact with loved ones, friends and even co-workers, through physical distancing, staying at home and even self-isolation.

The Keep Calm Through COVID crisis phone line provides trained, compassionate counselors to support Louisianans through this difficult time. This hotline is for counseling only, and people calling for general information should call 211.

March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, promoting awareness of the resources available to those experiencing problems with gambling. Data compiled by the Office of Behavioral Health shows gambling spans all ages, genders and races in Louisiana.

Rebecca Davis writes: "While I managed, at first, to continue to be successful in my career, my personal life was in shambles. It did not take long for me to start to use the money meant for my utilities and living expenses on gambling. I was constantly juggling money and bills. I lived on edge daily but still continued to gamble. I borrowed money from everyone I knew, and I lied to make loans."

A holiday without alcohol is never the end of the world, but a holiday with excessive alcohol — mixed with driving or even walking—might well be just that, this year or next.

Family Support Survey The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is conducting a survey to better understand the types of assistance families of students with disabilities need to support the educational experience of their child/children. The information gathered from this survey will inform the LDOE's understanding of how to best support families across the state.

The annual Synar Report describes the progress Louisiana and other states have made in enforcing youth tobacco access laws and future plans to reduce youth tobacco access rates as required by the federal Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 300x–26]. The law requires all states to have in effect a law making it unlawful for any manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of tobacco products to sell or distribute any such product to any individual under the age of 18, and to conduct random, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with the law. States are required to report this information annually to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

Lottery tickets and scratch-off cards might seem like a cheap, fun and harmless gift, but that's not the case. Any games of chance can increase risk factors for an addiction problem further down the road.

Holidays are often seen as a time of celebration, family gatherings, gift-giving, joy and other happy moments. But, for some, it is a time of additional stress, anxiety, blues or depression.