Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH). The goal is to share information with our community about local issues and projects, public health alerts, and even facts about the scope of responsibility that local Boards of Health manage.

We are grateful that the recent government shutdown is over, but it did create increased stress and anxiety for many due to the disruption in services and related financial concerns of those who rely on support for food and medical assistance. It also negatively impacted on the functioning of government agencies that we all need for our shared safety, functioning, and well-being. Although the government has reopened, the shutdown exacted a toll on many individuals and families. This led some to feel emotionally exhausted, resentful, angry, and anxious. This increased stress has the potential to exacerbate existing mental and physical health challenges as well as lead to a breakdown in community cohesion which can impact public health.

The long-term activation of the stress response in our bodies and too much exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all the body's processes. This puts you at higher risk from many health problems, including:

• Anxiety;

• Depression;

• Digestive problems;

• Headaches;

• Muscle tension and pain;

• Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke;

• Sleep problems;

• And problems with memory and concentration.

Managing stress becomes critical for mental, emotional, physical, and community health. Knowing how to take care of yourself and how to cope with current circumstances can help you feel less overwhelmed and helpless. It can also help prevent tension in relationships. There are many healthy coping strategies that can ease the weight of what you are carrying. One is reaching out for help. Knowing who to talk to and where there are resources that can provide support through difficult times can help reduce stress.There are a number of local resources as well as state and national agencies providing help. Many numbers are listed on the Southcoast Public Health Collaborative website, of which Westport is a member.

• scphc.org/food-insecurity-resources/

• scphc.org/mental-health-resources/

• scphc.org/suicide-prevention-resources-for-plymouth-and-bristol-counties/

• scphc.org/substance-use/

Other resources can be found by going to findhelp.org and putting in your zip code. Here you will find over 2,000 local programs offering help. And if you are in mental health distress, please call 988 and ask for help. Someone will be available to provide immediate support and help you connect with other resources.

Another way to feel less powerless and decrease stress is to help others in need. Neighbors helping neighbors has been a source of strength and comfort for Westport residents. Our community demonstrated the WE in Westport recently by coming out to provide extra support to our local food pantry this fall. Increased donations of food and funds have bolstered the effort to provide for residents in need. This kindness and compassionate effort by neighbors helping neighbors have eased the stress of those that are struggling. It also can help us feel more connected, less alone, and eases the weight of what has been a heavy time. So, in this holiday season, let us be thankful for what we have, and also in how we can all be a resource for others in our Westport community.

Amaral, a registered nurse, is a member of the Westport Board of Health. This month’s Health Notes was co-written by Olive Wicherski, MPH, the sharded services coordinator for Southcoast Public Health.