health or functional needs has ….

health or functional needs has increased from 43.5 to 53 million. The negative mental and physical impact of caregiving on family members has also risen.

According to statistics cited by Park, the U-shaped curve of happiness in the U.S. is one of the lowest in the world. However, people aged 64 and older are still the happiest compared to other age groups.

Despite these challenges, studies show that older adults are resilient, and that resilience can be taught and learned. Many people become more resilient after suffering a traumatic event, Park explained, and reap the benefits of it by slowing aging and better recovering from future diseases. Positive and secure attachments, reducing stress, the establishment of social networks and physical activities are just a few ways people can promote resilience to trauma.

After Park’s presentation, people learned more about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) from Joanna Constanza, training and outreach coordinator, Survivor Support Services at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

Though the 1-800985-5990 number still works, the new three-digit 988 number speeds up the connection and routes the caller to the national Lifeline. The Lifeline is different from dialing 911 in that it stabilizes most situations over the phone and connecting a person with local resources to help.

The long-term goal of 988 Lifeline is to help people be more open about mental health and recognize when someone is at risk. This three-digit number can be used by an individual in crisis or by a third party such as a friend, parent, or a teacher.

Dr. Kevin Alexander, Service Chief of Orange County Health Care Agency, spoke of the county’s resources that are available to those in crisis, with a goal to reduce suicide rates and bring community together.

He added that the OC Links at www.ochealthinfo.com/services- programs/mental-healthcrisis- recovery/navigation-helpresources can offer help immediately, which has improved in the last ten years along with private and public insurance requirements.

According to Alexander, the county works closely with the Department of Education and non-profits to educate young people about available resources and to destigmatize conversations about mental health. He added that people need to ask questions if someone seems suicidal and assure them that everything will be okay. Derby thanked the participants and attendees for their time and reminded the residents to reach out to GAF or Members Resources Liaison Robann Arhsat, with questions or resources for financial and emotional issues. Nick Massetti, the GRF Board member and the facilitator for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance said he enjoyed the event and encourages people to be more open about mental issues.

He invited anyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety to attend the free classes (East Long Beach support group) via Google meet on Wednesday evenings.

For time and more information, email: dbsaeastlb@gmail. com.