COVID-19: Help Available to Morris Residents for Anxiety and Stress Due to Current Crisis

Published on May 01, 2020

May is Mental Health Month "” Please Seek Help If You are Experiencing Difficulty

As Morris County residents continue to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, with many workplaces and all schools closed, anxiety continues to rise. The Essex and Morris Mental Health Association contends it is vitally important during this very unusual time to take care of ourselves physically and mentally.

It is especially appropriate to raise this issue as we enter May, which is Mental Health Month across our county, state and nation.

Please, don't try to go it alone.

New Jerseyans feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19 can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357), for free, confidential support. NJMentalHealthCares will be answered by live trained specialists 7 days a week, 8am " 8pm.

Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services or SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 provides 24/7, 365-day-a- year crisis counseling and support.

The MHA of Essex and Morris has compiled a list of tips and resources to assist individuals and families with self-care.

Ways to Cope

  • Connect with family and friends by phone, e-mail, or social media.
  • Partake in activities that are soothing: take a warm bath; practice deep breathing; cook comfort foods.
  • Distract yourself by doing activities that keep you busy: gardening; doing artwork. Listen to music and watch comedy movies that will make you laugh and lighten your mood.
  • Limit your news and media intake.
  • Go out in the fresh air and take a walk. Walking is one of the best exercises to help mitigate anxiety.
  • Keep a schedule and stay as close to your typical routine as possible. This will help you to have a sense of control and bring some normalcy to your day.
  • Remember that THIS WILL COME TO AN END as every other pandemic that has ever happened in history has and that your lives will return again to normal.

Mental Health and COVID-19 Resources

  1. Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
  2. Mental Health Resources
  3. Online Recovery Meetings
  4. Resources for Arts & Entertainment
  5. Educational Resources
  6. Resources for Health & Wellness
  7. Faith Based Resources
  8. Building Resilience Now and Beyond COVID-19

Visit Mental Health America for more guidance for yourself or loved ones during this pandemic.

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