Ways to Cope with Strong Feelings Related to COVID-19
- Mental Health Resources
- Self-Assessment Resources – Provided by Butler County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services Board
- Remember that distress, anxiety, fear, and strong emotions are normal in times of distress or crisis. Remind yourself and others that these feelings will fade.
- Get information from a trusted source, such as coronavirus.ohio.gov or by calling the Ohio COVID-19 call center at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
- Learn and follow tips for preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
- Learn and follow tips on how to prevent COVID-19.
- Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. It is important to get good information to help you prepare and respond, but don’t overwhelm yourself or your family with information.
- Eat nutritious food, exercise, get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and drugs, and make time to relax and unwind.
- Incorporate stretching or meditation into your routine. Take deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed.
- Stay connected with friends and family. Discuss your concerns and be supportive of theirs.
- Keep participating in hobbies/activities that do not expose you to close contact with others in confined spaces.
- If you have a mental health condition, continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptom. Call your healthcare provider with any concerns.
- Recognize signs of distress:
- Feeling hopeless or helpless
- Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear.
- Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
- Worsening of chronic health problems.
- Anger or short-temper.
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
- Call your healthcare provider if your feelings overwhelm you for several days in a row.
- Reach out for help:
- Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TalkWithUs to 66746.
- Reach the Ohio Crisis Text Line* by texting keyword 4HOPE to 741741.
- Reach the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Help Line* at 1-877-275-6364.
- Find a provider at https://findtreatment.gov
*These functions will remain operational and staffed.
Additional resources on mental health and COVID-19 can be found at mha.ohio.gov/coronavirus.
For additional COVID-19 information, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.
For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Information provided by the Ohio Department of Health