KNOWLEDGE & INSIGHTS

Coping with COVID-19

Feeling panicky about COVID-19? Beyond taking basic precautions like washing your hands thoroughly and cleaning surfaces, NewBridge Services offers these suggestions to cope with the fear it can elicit.

• Take deep calming belly breaths and exhale slowly for a minute
• Limit your exposure to graphic news stories 
• Get accurate, timely information from reliable sources 
• Maintain your normal routine as much as possible 
• Eat well and rest 
• Stay active both physically and mentally 
• Stay in touch with family and friends 
• Find comfort in your spiritual and personal beliefs
• Keep a sense of humor 
• Share your concerns with others 
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Stay Connected

The fear associated with a public health emergency like COVID-19 can push people apart. People who are normally close may avoid contacts and events because they are afraid they might get sick or get someone else sick. It is important to stay connected. Use the phone, email or other electronic means of communication. 

If you are anxious about a health risk, talk to someone who can help — this could be your doctor or nurse, a family member, a friend, member of the clergy, teacher or mental health professional. 

If you notice a big change in a loved one or coworker, reach out to them. Make some time to talk. Watching out for others shows you care. It can be comforting for both of you. 

Simple Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer made of at least 60% alcohol 
• Avoid sharing personal items such as water bottles, cups, utensils, phones, pens
• Cover your cough and/or sneeze with a tissue, then through throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (cell phones, computers, elevator keys, countertops, doorknobs, keyboards, sinks, etc.)
  Stay home when you are sick 
• Monitor your symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening. 

Get Reliable Information 

When there is uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep things in perspective. For reliable information about the COVID-19 outbreak, turn to trusted sources for health information, including:

• Your healthcare provider
• Your local health department
• The New Jersey Department of Health, nj.gov/health or 1-800-222-1222
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov or 1-800-232-4636

Helpful Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

5600 Fishers Lane — Rockville, MD  20857 Toll-Free: 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) 

Email: info@samhsa.hhs.gov SAMHSA Store:  https://store.samhsa.gov

 SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center 

Toll-Free: 1-800-308-3515  Email: DTAC@samhsa.hhs.gov  

Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac  

Hotlines

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline 

Toll-Free: -877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) (English and español)

SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746 

SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746 

TTY: 1-800-846-8517 

Website (English): https://www.disasterdistress.samhsa.gov 

Website (español): https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disasterdistress-helpline/espanol 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline 

Toll-Free: 1-800-662-HELP (24/7/365 Treatment Referral Information Service in English and español) Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 

Child Welfare Information Gateway 

Toll-Free: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1–800–422–4453) 

Website: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how 

Resources Addressing Children’s Needs 

Administration for Children and Families 

Website: https://www.acf.hhs.gov 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

Toll-Free (English): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

Toll-Free (español): 1-888-628-9454 TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

 Website (English): https://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

 (Español): https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/enespanol

National Child  Traumatic Stress Network 

Website: https://www.nctsn.org 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 situation, contact NewBridge Services at (973) 316-9333 or (888) 746-9333.