Dear PoPville

“Mental health resources in DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

My husband has been dealing with mental health issues for most of his life. About a year and a half ago we were able to get him on some meds. It’s not enough though. He, and I, need someone to talk to and real professional help. He’s seen a few doctors over the years and their solutions have varied from unhelpful to just ignoring his pleas for help. I’ve reached out to countless therapists over the last six months and either been ignored or put on wait lists to no avail. The pandemic has made all of this worse and I’m very scared for him. We can’t manage to find help, even in this big city. Does anyone have any recommendations on therapists taking new patients, doing telemedicine or other resources? No, he will not use something like Crisis Textline or headspace. I am at a loss, and utterly dismayed at how impossible getting help for mental health has been. It’s all made to seem simple – that asking for help is the hard part… we are past that though and screaming for help but no one is listening. Can anyone help?“

“I wake up with a layer of particulate matter covering my floor, my desk, my blinds, my windowsill, and my clothing.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live next door to a townhouse that has been doing renovations every day for the past week. Adding a/c units, replacing windows, things of that nature. Totally fine. Except my bedroom faces the construction and no matter how open or closed my window is, I wake up with a layer of particulate matter covering my floor, my desk, my blinds, my windowsill, and my clothing. Not to mention that it’s irritating my throat and lungs, which is awful in the best instance and drives me to paranoia in these uncertain times. (more…)

Speaking of Liquor – How are you getting your liquor resupply these days?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

I need to replenish my hard spirit stock but live w an immunocompromised person so try not to leave house much. What delivery options are there in D.C.?”

An excellent question!! I think we spoke about this @PoPville on twitter but I can’t find the conversation, so let’s get all the options down here so I can refer future queries. Also so I can order more gin. Who are you guys using for your liquor resupply?

Ice Cream Trucks playing Christmas Music and other Coronaville Curiosities

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone else noticed the return of ice cream trucks to empty streets? Weirdly, I’ve heard one playing “Deck the Halls” and other Christmas music. Very post apocalyptic.”

Other curiosities that fit the current bill: “Does anyone know anything about a man driving around in a blue 90’s/early 2000’s suburban style suv with a large antenna and broadcasting on a CB radio? He drives up 15th past Meridian Hill Park every few days and the stereo speakers in my apartment pick up his voice. He seems to be describing what he is seeing. Very weird.”

and of course:

“Crazy dude in truck heading east on Massachusetts Avenue with a megaphone saying wicked people are being punished…”

“During the Great Recession was there a huge increase in rental prices?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Olaf Zerbock

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering for those who were around during the Great Recession. I know rent is currently frozen. My landlord sent a letter saying they’ll tell us after the public emergency is over (if we are due for a rent increase, what the increase will be). But I’m curious–during the Great Recession was there a huge price increase in rental prices?

I could see this going either way 1) landlords trying to make up for empty units, still having to pay tax bills, not finding relief, commercial real estate going belly up or 2) landlords deciding to not increase.

I know it depends building to building because of rent control laws etc. For one, I’m lucky as I’m in a rent controlled building. But anyone have any predictions out there? What’s going to happen to everyone in the new developments in Navy Yard/NoMa/H Street?”

Sometimes a good cry is needed too

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Olaf Zerbock

G asks: “any good place to go cry?……..asking for a friend”

Ed. Note: There is no shame in a good cry or asking for help. These are the craziest days most of us have ever experienced. Everyone has a tough time from time to time. Please know that you are not alone. At the very least, you will always have my ear – here, @PoPville on twitter/social media (where there is tons of support too, see suggestions below), or via email at [email protected]. And please also remember there are always professionals around to talk to at any time 24 hours a day: “The 24-hour telephone access to a mental health clinician and 24-hour suicide prevention lifeline as 1-888-793-4357 is available always and is ready is serve.”

And, again, as a member of the community says below, “It’s cathartic to release the sadness when it overwhelms.” No shame in a good cry – absolutely none. We’ve all been there – you are not alone.

Some suggestions: “Well, for me it’s under the kitchen table. If you need to talk to a stranger, I’m really good at listening to people cry!”

“The view from the parking lot at Cardozo overlooking the city. Have had many good cries there.”

“Rock Creek Park. Pierce Mill. If it’s quiet, stroll down to sit by the creek and watch the water and the birds for awhile. The trees are beautiful. Things get better.”

“Let it out wherever you are. It’s cathartic to release the sadness when it overwhelms. Know that my shoulder is virtually her for you.”

Ramadan Mubarak

By Prince Of Petworth

“Ramadan Mubarak PoPville,

Are there any local Tarawih prayer groups taking place virtually? Also, any local restaurants serving iftar meals? Missing Ammu’s samosas and piyaju already.”

Ed. Note: I saw Eerkin’s offering some Ifftar meal boxes to go (above) in Glover Park (more…)

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