COVID-19 Wellness resources
With so much Uncertainty in the world it’s important that you’re taking care of your mind and body.
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you find ways to take care of your mental health during these turbulent times.
MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING DURING COVID-19
Global health experts know mental health = health, and coronavirus is having an impact. Talking about how you’re feeling can really help.
LEARN MORE>> The World Health Organization | Helping Kids with Stress (WHO)
COPING WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
It’s normal to feel stressed, confused, scared, sad, or angry right now. Get facts for how to cope.
LEARN MORE>> CDC Stress Tips
DEALING WITH LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
Feeling isolated from all the social distancing? You’re not alone. Here are some great tips for coping with COVID stress and separation.
LEARN MORE>> SAMHSA Social Distancing Tips
LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
You, or someone you know, was already dealing with a mental health condition before coronavirus was a thing. Self-care = care. All. The. Time. Especially now.
LEARN MORE>> Mental Health America “Living with Mental Illness” | Mental Health America “Medication Access During COVID-19” | National Alliance on Mental Illness “COVID-19 Resource Guide”
HOW TO TALK WITH CHILDREN ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
It’s important for children to know what we’re all dealing with, but the way we talk about coronavirus can really affect a child’s well-being.
LEARN MORE>> The National Child Traumatic Stress Network “Parent Guide” | SAMHSA “Talking with Children”
FINDING LONGER-TERM MENTAL HEALTH CARE
If you’re looking for long term mental health care, but you’re doing that during a pandemic here are some resources to help you in your search.
LEARN MORE>> SAMHSA Treatment Resources | FastTracker MN Mental Health Resources | Directory of Consumer-Driven Services | Mental Health America Resources Guide | Homeless Shelter Directory
IMMEDIATE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS RESOURCES
Are you thinking about suicide? Hold on. Do you want to die? You Matter. Help is close, 24/7/365. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also call SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
LEARN MORE>> Crisis Text Line | National Suicide Prevention Line | SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline
Editor’s note: Updated to remove references to the Crisis Text Line. Reporting from Politico shows the mental health crisis organization shared conversation data with a related for-profit company. Learn more.
General Mental Health Resources
Mental health and well-being is an important aspect of everyone’s life.
This includes individuals taking care of their mental well-being just like physical well-being, knowing the warning signs and understanding it is a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help and treatment.
We’re in this together
Though mental illness is a health condition much like any other, we often treat it as if it’s a choice. This common misconception creates barriers to care. It takes an average of 10 years—a full decade!—for a person experiencing a mental health condition to seek the care they need.
LEARN MORE >> MentalHealth.gov | Mental Health America | NAMI
Let’s get talking
Talking about mental health is a critical first step to moving forward—for our own mental well-being and for the well-being of our communities. But when we talk about mental health conditions, it’s important that we use language that demonstrates respect and acceptance.
Check your word choice, and make sure we’re being open and inclusive.
LEARN MORE >> Hogg Foundation | Make It OK
Just the facts
People with mental health conditions are just that—people. People who experience anxiety, depression, substance use disorder or other illnesses, just need appropriate care. Lean in, understand the facts, and talk about it.
LEARN MORE >> MentalHealth.gov | NAMI | Child Mind Institute | Walk in Our Shoes
Get help
It’s OK to need help. You’re not alone—one in five adults experiences a mental health illness each year. There are resources and people ready to help should you need to reach out.
LEARN MORE >> Mental Health America
Common Mental Health Conditions
Learn more about specific mental health conditions by visiting the links or scrolling below.
ANXIETY
Anxiety - it’s common. Nearly one in five of us are dealing with an anxiety disorder in each year, and it can be overwhelming. Anxiety can be treated and there are tools to help.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | National Alliance on Mental Illness
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar Disorder - it can be managed. People with bipolar can have extreme shifts in mood and energy that make it hard to carry out daily tasks. Treatment helps.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | National Alliance on Mental Illness
DEPRESSION
Depression - it can happen to anyone. More than 17 million Americans deal with the potentially disabling illness. It’s common and treatment can really help you feel better.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | National Alliance on Mental Illness
EATING DISORDERS
Eating Disorders - it’s not a diet choice. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating are serious, sometimes fatal illnesses. If you're dealing with one or notice signs, talk about it, get treatment.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | National Alliance on Mental Illness | National Eating Disorders Association
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - it's not about being neat. Being neat and particular is not like having O-C-D. It’s an illness that can makes people think and do the same thing over and over.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | National Alliance on Mental Illness
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - it’s an illness, not a weakness. PTSD can develop in Vets and anyone who survives an accident, disaster, or violent event. And, it can take years to emerge.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | PTSD Alliance | National Alliance on Mental Illness
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia - early diagnosis (or identification) treatment is critical. Hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms usually appear in teens and young adults. And, treatment can help people with schizophrenia live great lives.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | National Alliance on Mental Illness
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
Substance Use Disorder - it's not about willpower. Alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and other drugs change the brains of people with addictive illnesses to create a physical need. Treatment can help.
LEARN MORE >> National Institute of Mental Health | SAMHSA | National Institute on Drug Abuse
SUICIDE
Suicide - it's important to talk about. Suicide is the number two killer of children and young adults, and talking about it can help save lives.
LEARN MORE >> Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
GET HELP >> Crisis Text Line | Suicide Prevention Lifeline