Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Spring 2021

Cut back on bad news. While being informed is important, the 24-hour news and social media cycle can push anxiety to the brink. Be good to yourself. Do your best to get plenty of healthy foods, exercise and rest. Supporting your body helps you deal with stress. And exercise provides a mood lift. If you feel like you need alcohol to cope, try to remember that in the long run, it will likely make things worse. DID YOU KNOW? X 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18, but only 1 in 10 children will report it. X Alaska has the highest child maltreatment rate in the country. X Alaskan children are victims of sexual assault at the rate of six times the national average.* X The Juneau Child Advocacy Center served 172 children in 2019. X Child abuse is a community health epidemic with long-term consequences. *National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Take action to keep kids safe! If you’re aware of a child in danger, reach out to the S.A.F.E. Child Advocacy Center at 907-463-6157 . HOW YOU CAN HELP LISTEN: Remain calm and allow the child to talk, show interest and concern, reassure, and support the child. Always believe the child. REPORT: Take action by calling 800-478-4444 or emailing reportchildabuse@alaska.gov . You can also call your local child advocacy center with any questions about reporting at 907-463-6157 . LOOK: Be aware of unexplained injuries; changes in behavior, sleeping and eating habits; and inappropriate sexual or risk-taking behaviors. Reach out to family and friends. Spending time with those you trust can bring a sense of comfort. If you can’t connect in person, maybe you can call, text or video chat. You don’t have to talk about what you’ve been through unless you want to. Ask for help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your health care provider or a mental health expert. Get help today The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a helpline you can call if you are experiencing distress related to a natural or human-caused disaster and want to talk. Call 800-985-5990 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year. You can also text TalkWithUs to 66746 . Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; HelpGuide www.bartletthospital.org 13