COVID-19

Mental Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic

As we all struggle to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it is important to recognize we are all living in a time of great uncertainty.  Now, more than ever, we must continue to provide support, knowledge and reassurance to one another and to remember we are in this TOGETHER.

When so many things are changing as they are right now, mental health is being significantly impacted.  For many young people and families across the country, this outbreak is creating fear, anxiety and feelings of isolation. 

We are committed to continuing our efforts to reduce stigma around mental health and supporting suicide prevention efforts during this critical time.  We thank each one of you for working with us in doing so.

In an effort to contribute to a resilient and connected community, we have compiled information and links that we hope will promote mental health for all during this pandemic. 

For specific information from schools on distance learning, meals and caregiver support, visit the Pima County School District COVID-19 Info compiled by the Pima County Juvenile Court Center.   For updates on services from Alliance members and community providers, visit COVID Service Update. 

RESOURCES

  • Arizona launched the COVID-19 hotline. Arizonans can get important COVID-19 related information in English and Spanish by simply dialing 2-1-1.  The hotline is administered by 2-1-1 Arizona and the Crisis Response Network and will offer a place to answer questions and concerns from Arizona residents about COVID-19.
  • AHCCCS has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • MindHeart has published COVIBOOK a short book to support and reassure children under the age of 7. The short book is available in multiple languages. 
  • NAMI released the NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide to answer frequently asked questions regarding the intersection between Coronavirus, or COVID-19, and people affected by mental illness, their caregivers and loved ones. The guide features FAQs on a variety of topics from managing anxiety and social isolation to accessing health care and medications.
  • Banner Health has guidance on how to protect yourself from Coronavirus and general information on getting tested. They have also published a page on talking to your kids about coronavirus.  

  • The Health Department has set up a Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) website.  You can stay up to date on daily COVID-19 health and local updates by visiting  www.pima.gov/covid19.   On this page, you will find a COVID-19 Hotline established to answer questions from the public and health care providers about testing, symptoms, and many other virus related topics, current Pima County virus case information and helpful links to stay connected through additional social media platforms such as YouTube, the Health Department’s Facebook page, and Twitter. 

  • The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has compiled a selection of web pages and information sheets on mental health and coping with the effects of COVID-19.

  • The Child Mind Institute has great information on supporting families during COVID-19. They have published a resource on how to talk to young people about COVID-19.  Additionally, they are hosting Facebook Live video chats with expert clinicians, providing Remote evaluations and telemedicine and parents and caregivers can sign up for daily tips for parenting during the crisis.
  • Active Minds has created a “Mental Health Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic” page dedicated to offering tips and live webinars to supporting mental health while in quarantine.
  • My OCD Care has developed a series of webinars on “Coping with Corona Virus Related Challenges.”
  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has guidance on managing mental health and coping during COVID-19 for children and caregivers, as well as guidance for higher education administrators.
  • The Hope Center has outlined resources for supporting college students during this crisis.
  • The American College Health Association has created a guide to help college health staff and campus administrators address COVID-19 on campus.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has information on travel, media resources, and other research on COVID-19. They have also developed a simple one pager on helping children cope with stress during this outbreak. 
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America Psychologist Jelena Kecmanovic provides some science-based strategies and tips for coping with COVID-19 anxiety.
  • The National Council for Behavioral Health has a resources page with information for Behavioral Health Organizations and General Behavioral Health Resources. They’ve also shared a Toolkit for Telehealth and Telemedicine.     
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has published a Fact Sheet with guidance on helping families cope with COVID-19. The fact sheet offers a table on possible reactions according to age group and best ways for caregivers to respond. 
  • The National Association of School Psychologists has published Tips on helping children cope from COVID-19.
  • Stanford’s Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing has shared Multilingual COVID-19 Resources via Google Drive.