COVID-19 has been increasingly stressful for people and not only are the physical side effects obvious, but often times we allow our mental health to fall by the wayside. The fear surrounding the virus and quarantine can be overwhelming, causing depression and anxiety to increase during this challenging time. It is important to provide everyone with resources to use to better their wellbeing and mental health.
The news and media often use scare tactics which cause stress for people during times like these. One of the most beneficial ways to limit stress is to know all the facts and to rely on information from reliable sources. Below are some credible, unbiased resources regarding COVID-19 to help people gain a better understanding.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
FDA
In addition to gaining an understanding on the situation, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides some great tips on how to cope with stress:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
Additional Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Seven Tips to Manage Your Mental Health and Well-being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
OptumRx can provide free emotional and mental wellbeing support. Callers may access this service via the company’s public toll-free help line number, (866) 342-6892, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. This service is free of charge and open to anyone.
This help line cannot offer medical advice, but will connect those affected to specially trained mental health specialists. Callers can be helped by managing their stress and anxiety so they can continue to address everyday needs. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters.
Have you heard of Sanvello? Sanvello is a top rated free self-help app offering digital care, coping tools and peer support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This app helps with:
- Daily mood tracking
- Personalized progress
- Guided journeys
- Community support
- and more
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224