Mental Health during COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. 

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate external icon. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs external icon.
• 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.

Check out more tips from the CDC on handling stress.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

resources 

*Counseling in 19 languages available 

The SafeUT program is a statewide Crisis Text and Tip Line that provides real-time crisis intervention to youth through texting and a confidential tip program – right from your smartphone.

Licensed mental health professionals are available 24/7 to respond to all incoming chats, texts, and calls by providing:
• supportive or crisis counseling,
• suicide prevention
• referral services.