Coping with COVID-19 Resources

How to manage your mental health during COVID-19:

The outbreak of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus) can be stressful for individuals and communities. It is not uncommon to feel anxious or worried.

COVID-19 patients were at a 25 percent greater risk of developing a psychiatric disorder in the months after infection than those who experienced other respiratory illnesses, according to a recent study. 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.

Below are resources, credible information sources, and self-care tools to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.

Holiday Resources:

Having the COVID Chat at Thanksgiving English / Spanish

Free Therapy Services Provided by Central Coast HOTLINE:

Call Central Coast 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:

California Each Mind Matters:

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.

Online supports:

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.