As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does the associated anxiety.
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
This webpage provides information and wellness tips for individuals living with mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Changes and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 can make it difficult to know what to do to make sure you have access to needed medications. Here are some tips and pieces of information to help you prepare and care for yourself or your loved ones
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.
These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created a document to help guide individuals that have specific questions about their mental health situations.
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.
Dr. LaGenia Bailey, former DBSA board member, discusses tips on how to stay well during this public health crisis. In this podcast, she addresses benefits of mindfulness practice, lifestyle habits, and ways to stay connected with others to avoid isolation.
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.
Financial Support
The HealthWell Foundation just announced a COVID-19 Fund that provides up to $250 in assistance with ancillary costs associated with COVID-19. Grants awarded through the fund will provide reimbursement assistance to at risk or quarantined individuals for delivered food, medication, telehealth copays and transportation costs associated with COVID-19.
Tools and Information on Anxiety
One of the quickest and easiest ways to tell if you are experiencing a mental health condition is to take an online screen. MHA has nine different screening tools for mental health conditions on our site, including anxiety.
Tools to Connect with Others
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 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.
Unlike a hotline for those in immediate crisis, warmlines provide early intervention with emotional support that can prevent a crisis. The lines are typically free, confidential peer-support services staffed by those who have experienced mental health conditions themselves. Find a warmline in your area at warmline.org.
Resources for Immediate Response
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.
Text MHA to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
Call
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.
For any victims and survivors who need support, call
1-800-799-7233 or
1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Resources for Mental Health Providers
Resources for Parents
Resources for Caregivers
Resources for Older Adults
How-To Articles
General Information about COVID-19
