Coping with Corona: Mental health supports in a pandemic

We're all feeling anxious about the coronavirus and concerned about isolation in the coming weeks. Just remember: Social distancing doesn't have to mean social isolation! In fact, staying engaged with others is the best way to manage the stress, focus on positives, and worry less--even while "hunkering down" at home. Together, we can be #coronastrong

To check your anxiety, use the coping tips below or reach out to free online and phone supports (scroll down). Also check out a curated list of expert recommendations and links for talking with your kids. Start with this UNICEF video featuring Kati Morton, LMFT:

Expert Recommendations

• CDC has tips for reducing your own stress, as well as specific information for parents, responders, and people released from quarantine here.

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has tips for taking care of your mental health in the fact of uncertainty; AFSP also provides help through the National Suicide Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

• The World Health Organization recorded a half-hour Facebook Live discussion with their mental health expert here. She recommends focusing on stories of recovery, limiting consumption of coronavirus news, practicing self-care, and providing extra support to those with pre-existing mental illnesses. Get WHO's handout here.

• See a panel discussion on Resilience, Parenting, and Coping Strategies for Everyone During Uniquely Challenging Times here (note: starts 12 minutes into the recording).

• The image below from Blessing Manifesting is a great summary:

Talking to Your Kids

• NPR’s Just For Kids presents a comic exploring The New Coronavirus

• PBS KIDS’ Daniel Tiger explains How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus

• AhaParenting.com identifies possible concerns kids may have, including the worry that their parents may die, here

• The Search Institute focuses on how to Respond to Fear and Scapegoating During the Coronavirus Epidemic

• The National Association of School Psychologists has downloadable factsheets in English and Spanish, as well as links to government factsheets on coping stress during infectious disease outbreaks

• Spanish: Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el coronavirus from Child Mind Institute here

Connecting with Online Support

We're lucky here in CT that there are free peer support warmlines alongside national crisis lines. See info in picture below or download here to share.

We're also grateful to our SMART Recovery facilitators for offering their groups online (audio or video options available), starting this week. See details in the flyer below and download it here.

Staying Updated

For the latest information about coronavirus in Connecticut, call 211, text CTCOVID to 898211, or visit ct.gov/coronavirus

Be well!

-Your friends at The Hub: Amy, Eliza, Ella, Giovanna, Margaret, Rai

To receive our monthly blog post as well as our biweekly regional events blast, please subscribe to www.thehubct.org at the bottom of the homepage. And forward to those who will appreciate the info! Sharing is caring.