Taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 crisis

It’s normal if you feel stressed or nervous right now.

The COVID-19 crisis has changed your family, your home, your career, your social life, your community. Most likely each and every aspect of your life.

As you deal with your stress and fear, it’s vital you take care of your mental health so you can learn to cope.

HAP is here, with ways for you to take care of your mental health during this challenging time.

Seek help from HAP member resources.

• If you need someone to talk to, call HAP’s Coordinated Behavioral Health Department at (800) 444-5755. You can call us 24/7.
• Sign up for myStrength, powered by Livongo for Behavioral Health, at no cost through June 30, which has COVID-19 resources. Topics include stress management strategies, parenting tips, and other emotional support tools.
• Work out at home with an Active & Fit Direct™ gym membership for $25/month or Silver & Fit® Exercise & Healthy Aging program at no cost for Medicare members.
• See a doctor from home using your mobile phone, tablet or computer with HAP’s telehealth services. Licensed, board-certified doctors are on hand 24/7 for live, safe online visits from the comfort of your home.
• For information on community resources, read Need Support Through the COVID-19 Pandemic? These Community Resources Could Help.

Be patient with yourself.

• Allow others to help you. Don’t forget to help others, as well.
• Remind yourself that “this situation will pass.”
• Reflect on what you feel is important in your life.

Reach out to your social network.

• Call friends and share feelings with each other. This helps lift the “burden” of stress.
• Start a video chat or conference call with friends for a virtual book or movie talk. 
• Write a letter or email to an old friend or co-worker.

Take care of your body.

• Do some form of exercise: walking, hula hoop, dancing, yard work.
• Get fresh air during the day.
• Keep to a routine sleep pattern in a cool bedroom.
• Practice deep breathing.

Eat healthier, stay hydrated.

• Eat three small healthy meals each day.
• Choose three small healthy snacks each day.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with feelings like sadness, depression, or fear, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, call:

• 911
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

Ask for a delivery, meal or friendly reassurance

MI Bridges, through the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, has a whole network of Area Agencies on Aging and local volunteers waiting to help you get the food and support you need. Fill out this form, and they’ll get to work.