It's Okay to ask for help

The fear caused by the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many people in Philadelphia, Montgomery County and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The large number of closings and strong recommendations to practice social distancing to prevent further spread of the disease has undoubtedly stoked anxiety and stress in many of our people. We want you to know there is help if you need it and you don’t have to fight fear alone.

For those who see a primary care physician, check to see if you can get a referral to a mental health professional. Even with the statewide closings, professionals are expanding their telemedicine appointments to help patients with their needs.

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.

Download the NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide

The Centers for Disease Control has provided a comprehensive guide for managing anxiety and stress during the coronavirus outbreak.

Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction as to the state’s response to coronavirus COVID-19.

Keep in mind, Philadelphia is regularly updating its website to provide more information and resources on coronavirus COVID-19

Montgomery County is doing the same

Senator Hughes and his colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus are working to ensure state-level resources get to our people, especially the most vulnerable. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Visit senatorhughes.com/coronavirus for the latest updates. 

In the meantime, 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.

Coronavirus Information Sheet - click to download.

Download English | Download Spanish