Addressing Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is stressful for many people as we’ve all been forced to face a new reality.
While it may feel like your life has been put on hold, you can learn ways to keep these times in perspective and carry on—with your mental health in focus. Fear and anxiety about a pandemic can be overwhelming and evoke strong emotions in children, teens, and adults. However, coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
To help you learn to cope more effectively, we’ve created a list of resources and some videos to guide you and your family through this time.
Mental Health Mini Lessons
Mini Lessons for Youth
It’s helpful to know how to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. These videos for teens and young adults provide information and tips to help you understand your own mental health during the pandemic.
Mini Lessons for Adults
Parents and caregivers who interact with youth on a daily basis play an important role in keeping them safe. They’re often the first to notice signs of mental health issues. These videos for adults offer information to help guide them with useful tips and resources.
Mental Health Resources
Positive Stress Relievers for Youth
Hearing all the news about COVID-19 may make you feel anxious and stressed. Created by Grant Halliburton Foundation, these simple tips and tricks can help you cope with stress during the coronavirus outbreak. READ MORE
Coping with Stress: Tips for Times of Crisis and Uncertainty
Signs of stress are normal during a crisis and may be more likely or pronounced in people with loved ones who have a mental health condition. Created by Grant Halliburton Foundation, these simple tips and tricks can help you cope with stress during the coronavirus pandemic. READ MORE
Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
When you hear, read, or watch news about the outbreak of an infectious disease such as COVID-19, you may feel anxious and show signs of stress—even when the outbreak affects people far from where you live and you are at low risk of getting sick. These signs of stress are normal, and may be more likely or pronounced in people with loved ones in parts of the world affected by the outbreak. ENGLISH | SPANISH
Work at Home Mental Health Toolkit
Created by Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, these tips and tricks can help you stay healthy and happy while working from home during the coronavirus outbreak. READ TOOLKIT
COVID-19 Information and Resources
The NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide may be helpful if you have questions or concerns regarding mental health and COVID-19. NAMI also strongly encourages people to check the CDC website daily for updates and listen for updates from local news and public health care providers. READ MORE
Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
This tip sheet describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways to care for your behavioral health during these experiences and provides resources for more help. ENGLISH | SPANISH
Helplines
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free, confidential, 24/7 emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
1.800.273.8255 | LEARN MORE
Lifeline ofrece 24/7, gratuito servicios en español, no es necesario hablar ingles si usted necesita ayuda. 1.888.628.9454 | APRENDE MÁS
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. LEARN MORE | FLYER
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, developed by Grant Halliburton Foundation, is a free helpline offering guidance, information, resources, and support for mental health and addiction. Whether you’re seeking resources for yourself or for someone else, call our free helpline at 972.525.8181 Monday–Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Se habla Español. LEARN MORE
The Family Place is the largest family violence service provider in North Texas. For victims of family violence, sheltering at home can be the most dangerous place to be. If you need to escape an abusive relationship, call The Family Place at 214.941.1991. If you’re in immediate danger call 911.
Whether you’re dealing with a crisis, struggling with major stress, concerned about someone’s mental health, or need to refer a patient, you’ll find a complete listing of national crisis lines on our GET HELP NOW page. If this is an emergency, call 911.
Helpful Mental Health Articles
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During a Pandemic
CONNECT Blog | March 30, 2020
Just three months after the coronavirus (COVID-19) began making headlines, the world is experiencing an emergency that is multi-layered and unprecedented. The pandemic is heavy on our hearts and minds and many uncertainties still lie ahead. As self-quarantining becomes the new normal per the CDC’s request, we are engaging in social distancing like never before. READ MORE
Flattening the Mental Health Curve
Forbes | March 30, 2020
Beyond the apparent and immediate rise of stress and anxiety that accompanies drastic changes in work and life routines, cancelled plans, closed businesses and constant uncertainty, the pandemic will have hidden and long-term mental health consequences for individuals and the mental healthcare system more broadly. READ MORE
That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief
Forbes | March 23, 2020
Some of the HBR edit staff met virtually the other day — a screen full of faces in a scene becoming more common everywhere. We talked about the content we’re commissioning in this harrowing time of a pandemic and how we can help people. But we also talked about how we were feeling. READ MORE
Psychology Experts Share Tips for Mental Health During Quarantine
CNBC | March 20, 2020
Keeping a routine is important for adults and kids who are confined to their home. Because fun, meaningful experiences reduce the stress hormone cortisol and raise feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, both experts suggest adding humor to your day by reading cartoonists or watching funny movies and comedy shows. READ MORE
Being Mindful of Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Healthline | March 27, 2020
A recent study from medical journal The Lancet notes that the psychological impact of quarantine can be great, resulting in a range of mental health concerns from anxiety and anger to sleep disturbances, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). READ MORE
How Do I Effectively Exercise Now That I'm Quarantined?
CNN | March 20, 2020
Regular exercise is essential for supporting healthy immune function; preventing weight gain; boosting your mood; and keeping you as healthy as possible (and out of the hospital or emergency room) during this challenging global pandemic. READ MORE
Information About COVID-19
How to Protect Yourself
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Implement steps to prevent illness such as getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, hand-washing, respiratory etiquette, and cleaning surfaces daily. READ MORE
Coronavirus Tips: Frequently Asked Questions and Advice
The New York Times
The coronavirus has dramatically shifted so much about our lives this year. We’re here to help with answers to common questions on health, money, daily life, politics, science, and travel. READ MORE