Resources for Coping with COVID-19
How to manage your mental health during COVID-19:
The outbreak of infectious diseases such as the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) can be a stressful time for individuals and communities. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried while listening, reading or watching the news. While it’s necessary to keep up-to-date and make changes to daily life in order to help control the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the constant news cycle coupled with social distancing measures can have a real impact on mental health.
It’s important during times like these to monitor your own physical and mental health, as well as safely stay connected to your community. Know the signs of stress and when and how to seek help for yourself, as well as loved ones.
Here are a few resources, credible information sources, and self-care tools for our mental health and wellbeing.
Having the COVID Chat at Thanksgiving English / Spanish
Free Therapy Services Provided by SLO HOTLINE:
Call SLO Hotline to get tips on coping with increased stress and mental health symptoms that you may be experiencing due to our public health emergency. They can also connect you to free therapy if you are unable to access these services using your health insurance at this time. View more details on the free therapy flyer: English / Spanish
Resources for Families, Parents & Caregivers:
Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families during COVID-19
Resource Guide for Families: Quality Matters Resource Guide - COVID-19
Resources for Children:
- COVID-19 Answers for Kids Storybook
- Hello, My Name is Coronavirus Comic
California Each Mind Matters:
- Tips for Self-Care English
- Tips for Self-Care Spanish
Transitions Mental Health: Kids and Coronavirus Survival Guide
Storybook for Children: COVID-19 Answers for Kids
National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About COVID-19
NPR: Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids about COVID-19 (tips, videos & resources)
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Guide for Parents and Families
WHO: Coping with Stress During the 2019 n-Cov Outbreak
WHO: Helping Children Cope with Stress During the 2019 n-Cov Outbreak
Relevant and informative resources:
CDC: Mental Health & Coping During Covid-19
CDC: Stigma and Resilience During Covid-19
CDC: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
SAMHSA: Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Social Distancing
SAMHSA: Tips for Disaster Responders
California Department of Public Health: Guidance Documents
California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance: Covid-19 Resources for Undocumented Californians
Administration for Community Living: Adults with Disabilities and Seniors also In Spanish
SLO Food Bank: Food Locator and Scheduled Distributions
USDA Food and Nutrition Services EBT (CalFresh): Cardholders are able to purchase online through Amazon or Walmart beginning April 28.
7 Cups: "free virtual counseling" through the form of volunteer listeners online. Users can remain anonymous, and "listeners" are available 24/7. They also offer professional therapy, which is about $150/month. There are a variety of virtual support groups offered online as well.
Headspace: a free virtual program focused on alleviating anxiety in the face of the challenges we are experiencing during this time. Visit their website or download the app to learn more about the content they have curated to help.
The Tribe Wellness Community: free, online peer support network that gives members facing mental health challenges and/or difficult family dynamics a safe place to connect.
For Like Minds: an online mental health support network that allows for individuals to connect with others who are experiencing stressful life events.
18 Percent: free, peer-to-peer online support community for those struggling with a wide range of mental health issues.
Emotional Support and Wellness:
We know that human connection is one of the most critical protective factors for good mental health. But how can we stay in connection while still following medical guidance to limit your exposure to others? Community isn’t just about proximity, it’s first and foremost a mindset about who we consider to be “our own.” In the face of social distancing, remember that we all need one another -- maybe more than ever -- to get through difficult times like these. Staying emotionally connected as a community even if we temporarily become more physically isolated is critical to all our mental health. Learn more at Community Connections in Times of Physical Separation.
Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga:
Health, Wellness, and Mindfulness Resources for Home
Mindfulness Meditation for Feeling Safe - Rick Hanson
5 Minute Mindfulness Meditation - Diana Winston
Weekly Meditations with Dr. Rick Hanson
UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Center Guided Meditations
Down Dog Yoga app - free through April 1st for public and through July 1st for educators and students
Please contact our access line at 1 (800) 838-1381 for information or to schedule an appointment. All services are available in Spanish.