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.
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
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:
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.