Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources
For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.
For the past several weeks, MHA has been using its unique database to monitor daily this increase in anxiety. According to our screening data, we experienced a 19 percent increase in screening for clinical anxiety in the first weeks of February, and a 12 percent increase in the first two weeks of March.
This suggests that our screeners are not just “worried well.” Instead they represent thousands of people whose lives and sense of well-being are being severely impacted by concerns about the virus.
As things unfold in the coming days and weeks, MHA will continue to monitor anxiety.
To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.
Mental Health Information For Disease Outbreaks
Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness
This webpage provides information and wellness tips for individuals living with mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19
Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreak Response
These fact sheets provide information and recommendations for healthcare personnel, families, leaders, and businesses to address the psychological and behavioral health impacts of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mental Health, Mental Illness, and COVID-19
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created a document to help guide individuals that have specific questions about their mental health situations.
Dermatillomania During COVID-19
Risk of COVID-19 may be anxiety inducing and you may be experiencing a harder time managing your Dermatillomania as a result. The CDC’s encouragement to “not touch your face” can be particularly hard and even triggering if you struggle with Skin Picking Disorder. Here are some ways to cope from the Picking Me Foundation.
Q&A on Mental Health during COVID-19 with WHO expert Aiysha Malik
In this special three-part COVID-19 Crisis series, Dr. Lieberman of Columbia University speaks with renowned experts who have expertise in relevant disciplines that pertain to this COVID-19 pandemic.
Tools And Information On Anxiety
Anxiety Information and Support
Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
Meditations and Calming Exercises
Tools To Connect With Others
Social Support: Getting And Staying Connected
MHA’s Inspire Community
An online community where people can connect with others. MHA hosts a dedicated mental health community, but there are communities related to a variety of topics.
Lyf App
Lyf is a social media app where users share highly personal aspects of themselves without the fear of judgment. It’s the one app where you can be yourself or write anonymously and people won’t degrade or bring you down.
Resources For Immediate Response
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies.
Crisis Text Line
Text MHA to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
Resources For Mental Health Providers
A Guide to Transitioning Your Clinic to a Remote Work Environment
Medicare Telehealth Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet
Use of Telemedicine While Providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Guidance
COVID-19 and Opioid Treatment Programs FAQ
Resources For Parents
Talking to Kids about COVID-19
Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el coronavirus
Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Crisis
How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids
Talking to Kids about Fear and Violence
List of Live Webcams, Virtual Tours, and Virtual Field Trips
Scholastic Learn at Home Free Resources
Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources
Virtual Field Trips from Discovery Education
Resources For Caregivers
Caregiving for a Person with a Mental Illness
Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators
National Alliance for Caregiving
Resources For Older Adults
Do Your Part to Stem COVID-19: An Intergenerational Call to Action
How-To Articles
How to Deal with Coronavirus Anxiety
Deal with the Coronavirus Outbreak: Your Most Common Questions Answered
How To Talk To Kids About Coronavirus
General Information About COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Hub from the CDC
Fact Sheets on COVID-19 in Spanish and Other Languages
Coronavisrus (COVID-19) Situation Report from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
Preguntas y respuestas sobre la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19)
American Psychological Association (APA) Resources on Pandemics
