Covid-19 Relief
Emotional Support
Resources to manage anxiety and stress
SUMMARY
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency call 911.
As the spread of COVID-19 continues to impact many individuals and families, we want to help. We compiled these ideas to help those who are looking for emotional relief resources and strategies.
MANAGING ANXIETY AND STRESS
If you are experiencing high levels of anxiety during these uncertain times, that is normal. Your body sends you information to alert you whenever it senses a threat. Know that you are processing your anxiety in healthy ways when you’re able to stay relaxed and make rational decisions without feeling overwhelmed or withdrawing. Anxiety can push us to take care of ourselves, but too much anxiety can become problematic. Below are some resources to help you manage your anxiety and stress levels. We’ve also included some information about how to determine when it might be time to ask a counselor or pastor for help.
SIX HEALTHY TIPS TO HELP YOU COPE DURING THE PANDEMIC:
Create a routine. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. If you’re working from home, establish a start time and an end time. This can help create a sense of normalcy and predictability.
Stay connected to others. Use technology to stay connected to friends, family, and co-workers by calling, texting, emailing, and videoing with one another. Connect with people who will be present, compassionate, and good listeners.
Stay connected to your community. Actively seek ways to stay plugged in. Use technology to watch church services online. If financially able to, support local businesses by buying gift cards for a later date or buying lunch for those on the front lines. Volunteer your time to help your local schools, nonprofits, or churches to distribute food and essentials to your community.
Take care of your body. Do things that help you feel better and relieve stress. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, practice stretching and breathing exercises, and move your body daily (e.g., yoga, walking, dancing).
Access reliable media resources in small doses. Stay informed, but limit the amount of time you check the news to once or twice a day to prevent yourself from getting overwhelmed.
Limit addictive behaviors. Distracting yourself and finding ways to seek relief from what’s going on around you is normal. However, pay attention to how much time you’re spending on television and social media. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO ASK FOR HELP?
Often we are able to navigate life’s challenges by ourselves or with help from family and friends. However, there are times when we need to get help from a doctor or counselor. Here are a few indicators that it might be time to seek professional help:
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Struggle is preventing you from functioning in a healthy way or is significantly impacting your quality of life.
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It’s difficult to resolve an issue through your own ways of coping.
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Your current coping mechanisms (e.g., overuse of alcohol or drugs) are potentially destructive.
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You are overwhelmed to the point where negative emotions are dominating the way you feel.
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You are feeling hopeless and/or losing interest in things that used to bring you joy.
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Negative thoughts are preventing you from thinking clearly and making healthy decisions.
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You’re experiencing heightened social conflict or a desire for increased social withdrawal that is difficult to control.
Note that thoughts of self-harm or the desire to harm others require immediate attention, including telling family and friends that care about you and contacting a suicide prevention center and/or other resource listed below. If you feel like you are in immediate danger or are a danger to others, go to a behavioral health hospital (options below) for a free assessment or seek medical attention by dialing 911.
COUNSELING
If you decide to talk with a counselor, we’ve prepared a list of local mental health professionals for you to choose from.
For those of you with existing emotional health conditions: Please be aware of your symptoms, and keep in touch with your mental health professionals to stay on track.
You can speak to a Hope Community Church (HCC) staff member about your emotional health or request prayer.
RESOURCES BY TOPIC:
Addiction Services
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DIVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES (DMHAS) 1-800-382-6717
Anxiety
Behavioral Health Hospitals
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New Jersey Mental Health Cares (Psychiatric Hospitals by County)
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NJ DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE 1-877-294-HELP (1-877-294-4357) 1-877-294-4356 TTY (voice callers use 7-1-1 NJ Relay)
Behavioral and Mental Health Screening
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Summit Counseling Center (Free Anonymous Online Screening)
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Mental Health America (Mental Health Test)
Crisis
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Text 741741 (24/7) to receive crisis support via text or Crisis Text Line
Depression
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
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National Domestic Violence Hotline or 1-800-799-7233
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New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 572-SAFE (7233)
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National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline or 800-656-HOPE (4673)
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New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 572-SAFE (7233) (24-hr.)
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CONTACT of Burlington County 24-Hour Hotline: (856) 600-4800 (sexual assault); (856) 234-8888 (crisis helpline) Website: www.contactburlco.org
Kids and Parenting
Loneliness
Self-Care
Stress and Healthy Coping
Suicide Prevention
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Suicide Prevention Hotline or 1-800-273-8255
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New Jersey Hopeline or 1-855-654-6735
Relationship Difficulty — Stress on Relationships
Spiritual Resources
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FREE Mental Health Video Library For your free access, simply text: Rightnow HOPENJ (be sure to leave the space in the middle) to 41411 to set up your own free account.
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Resources to manage anxiety and stress
Please take note, information here is provided for your personal reference only and assistance. HOPE cannot be held liable for any of the info researched and collected here for your helpful reference. All information is freely provided simply as a ministry of love and service to the community. None of this information is provided as physical or emotional health advice/counsel, financial advice/counsel, or legal advice/counsel. Please consult your choice of health, financial, or legal professional for specific direction where appropriate.