Dealing with the coronavirus COVID-19 has affected our hearts and minds in ways we could not have expected when this pandemic began. It is understandable to be confused, uncertain, anxious and a number of feelings during these times.
There are plenty of resources out there to help cope with the mental anguish caused by the pandemic. PBS NewsHour recently spent time talking to a mental health expert about ways to mitigate the stress brought on during the pandemic. Here are some of the topics addressed in the video above and you can follow the linked topics for individual clips:
- What you can do to take care of yourself
- What you can do to take care of others
- What do you do when a loved one has passed in the midst of the pandemic?
- How do you deal with the disturbing information coming in?
- How do you help kids during the pandemic?
Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth that has resources accessible to people across the state.
For those who are considering therapy, there are a number of options available, including providers who are working on sliding-scale payments. Here’s a good listen from NPR on managing your mental health during this crisis:
Resources to Recover (RtoR) has a great list of services available in Pennsylvania.
And as always, you can text PA to 741-741 if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
There are also resources in our community to help those in need. Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities Services has a number of resources on its website and important hotlines for those in need:
- For a mental health crisis call: 215-685-6440
- For the suicide & crisis intervention hotline: 215-686-4420
- For community behavioral health member services: 888-545-2600
- For intellectual disability services, call 215-685-5900
National Alliance on Mental Illness Montgomery County is operating its help line from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 215-361-7784. You can find more of its online resources here.
Remember, you can do your part to stop the spread of the virus by staying home!
Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19. The residents of Philadelphia and its suburbs have been ordered to remain at home as to help prevent spread of coronavirus, find out what that means for you.
Montgomery County is doing the same.
Here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:
Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations.
Read more: CDC recommendations on getting tested for coronavirus
