Mental health resources for COVID-19
Even though things are looking up, the COVID-19 pandemic has understandably triggered a lot of stress and concern for many.
Know that, no matter what you’re feeling, you aren’t alone. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, are a frontline healthcare worker or are living with a chronic health condition, we’re here to help you get through this.
Mental health for the whole family
For our dedicated healthcare workers and parents who are taking care of the whole family, here are some resources we gathered just for you.
Mental health for healthcare workers
To our healthcare heroes, thank you for all that you’re doing every day. With that work, we know, comes stress. That’s why taking care of yourself is more important than ever.
Here are some tips and resources to help you manage stress and improve your health:
- Eat plenty of healthy foods to help manage stress
- Make time to relax with your favorite book, movie or TV show
- Exercise regularly, which can also help you manage stress
- Connect with loved ones virtually
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep — seven to nine hours each night
Additional resources:
- Avoid caregiver burnout
- C’mon, let’s get happy: 5 tips for contentment
- 8 ways to improve your mental health
If you’re a Geisinger employee, visit our employee resource center for more. Just log in with your Lawson ID.
Watch video series: Stay Connected with Dr. Charlotte Collins
Helping our children and teenagers understand what’s happening in the world, and teaching our older children to do their part to “flatten the curve,” play big roles in helping them work through their emotions.
Here are some resources for talking to your children:
- Keeping the learning going for kids at home
- How to talk to your kids about COVID-19
- Talking to your children about natural disasters
- Teens and social distancing: How to help your kids deal
- 3 tips for talking to your kids about tragedy
- Tune it out: Technology can contribute to teen depression
- Signs of depression in your teen
- Here's why telling your teen to calm down is a bad idea
If your child is stressed, confused or afraid, reassure them that how they’re feeling is completely normal. Encourage them to talk to you about their feelings. If you’re concerned, you can talk to them about scheduling a telemedicine visit with one of our child psychiatrists or pediatric psychologists.
Those over age 60 are at risk for complications from COVID-19. It’s understandable that you’ve been under more stress — and it’s important for you take care of yourself. Here are some tips to help you get through the pandemic:
- Seniors: Take these 3 steps to protect yourself from COVID-19
- Walk this way: 4 benefits of a daily stroll
- Seniors: Following these routine habits can help you stay healthy
Many seniors struggled with isolation before this worldwide pandemic. Regularly check in with yourself, your friends and your family.
A number of national hotlines are available to you, with people at the ready to listen and help. We recommend:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – Available for you 24/7
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 – Available for you 24/7
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 – Available for you 24/7