COVID-19: Mental Health Assistance is Available -- Don't Deal with Pandemic Stresses on Your Own

Published on July 14, 2020

Help is Available. Don't Go It Alone!

The stress of dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, whether it be medical, economic, or familial, is taking a toll on the mental health of many Morris County residents.

Mental health experts say that everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.

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If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of someone you care about, please reach out for assistance. Talk to a family member, a friend, a pastor or rabbi, or reach out to call centers that are available to help.

Morris County residents feeling the emotional and mental toll of CIVID-19 can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357), for free, confidential support. Calls to 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.

"We know that many people are out of work, some are concerned about losing their businesses or careers. Some families in Morris County are struggling to put food on their tables, and so many people are worried about what the future holds for them'' said Morris County Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo. "These are very tough issues to try and deal with alone, so we ask residents to please reach out to the programs and services that are available. And, in Stigma-Free Morris County, we promise you will not be judged for reaching out to get the help you may need.''

Please check out Morris County's Stigma-Free website to find available programs and services.

You also can reach out to the good peoplein Morris County at New Bridge Services and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris. Just don't try to go it alone.

MHA of Essex and Morris also 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 art work. 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