In a matter of weeks, the coronavirus pandemic has changed daily life for millions of North Texans. Local and national groups are offering resources to help manage anxiety, stress and uncertainty in this time of transition.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips including:
- Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Find more guidance, including tips for specific groups here.
The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) has compiled a resource and information guideon COVID-19.
"We recognize that people affected by mental illness face additional challenges dealing with COVID-19," writes NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. "Now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that there is no health without mental health. During these difficult times, we encourage you to take care of yourselves and check in on loved ones. You are not alone, and we will get through this together."
You can reach the NAMI Helpline at: 800-950-NAMI.
The North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) has launched a 24/7 Mental Health Support Line in response to the COVID-19 crisis. You can reach them at 833-251-7544. More from an NTBHA statement:
It is normal to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during times of public crisis. This dedicated line will provide relief to our traditional crisis line while providing the necessary support within our community as we work through this specific crisis. The NTBHA COVID-19 Mental Health Support line can be reached at 833-251-7544. Individuals who contact the COVID-19 support line needing a higher level of care will be transferred directly to our traditional 24/7 NTBHA crisis line at 866-260-8000.
Mental Health America of Greater Dallas has compileda number of resourcesin response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group offers a series of anonymous online teststhat allow people to screen themselves for different mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. They also hold weekly support group meetings, which have moved online for now.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has launched a 24/7 mental health support line to help Texans navigate anxiety around the coronavirus pandemic. State officials say the line offers “trauma-informed support and psychological first aid,” and counseling services are free to people who call. You can reach the hotline at 833-986-1919.
The Dallas-based Grant Halliburton Foundation has compiled some resources for staying informed and coping with the evolving coronavirus pandemic, along with some specific resources for teens.
The foundation also offers a free helpline for North Texans looking to find mental health and addiction-related resources. You can reach the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181. Assistance is also available in Spanish
Other helpful phone numbers:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
Updated April 1
