Mental Health
Coping During COVID-19
Over the past several months, we have moved from a health crisis to an ongoing global upending of our economic, health, and social structures. We are all affected by this trauma and, we can become overwhelmed, anxious or struggle to cope. This is perfectly normal, given the speed at which this situation has changed, the loss of routine and the amount of information available.
Every person handles these feelings differently and there are many things we can do to care for our own mental health and that of our loved ones during these difficult times, such as:
- Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage. Find time to disconnect.
- Continue to find ways to connect with others in your life, such as by phone or online.
- Help those in need, especially those who may be homebound and rely on others.
- Find an outlet, such as physical activity or creative or artistic activities.
- Name your feelings and share them with someone you trust.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms.
- Keep regular sleep schedules.
- Do things that release toxins such as mindfulness, deep breathing, practicing gratitude or listening to music.
- Enjoy some time in the “vast, great outdoors.”
To find helpful tips and information about coping during COVID-19, follow JCPH’s blog series, Resilience [external link], for mental health and wellbeing information. Este blog también está disponible en Español [enlace externo].
Resources
- CDC: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health [external link]
- Jefferson Center for Mental Health [external link]: Call 303-425-0300.
- Colorado Crisis and Support Lines not only provide services for individuals in crisis 24/7, but they also have a support line for folks who would like someone to talk with about the stress they may be experiencing or any other mental health concern. You can call 844-983-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: You can call 1-800-985- 5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990.
- National Suicide Prevention Line: You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line by texting “HELLO” to 741741.
- Suicide Loss Survivor Support Packet: Suicide Prevention Coalition [external link]
- Suicide Attempt Survivor Support Packet: Suicide Prevention Coalition [external link]
- Support Person Packet: Suicide Prevention Coalition [external link]
- For more resources, visit our Jeffco Community Resources page.
Fact Sheet: Caring for your Mental Health During COVID-19
Additional Resources
- Fact Sheet: Nurturing Mental Wellness [external link]
- Fact Sheet: Maintaining Mental Wellness During the Holidays & Winter Months (English) [external link]
- Fact Sheet: Mental Health Resources for Those Who Work with the Public during COVID-19 [external link]
- Fact Sheet: Supporting Staff Through Grief [external link]
Coping with COVID-19: JCPH & Jefferson Center
On April 9, 2020 Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) and Jefferson Center hosted a telephone town hall focused on maintaining mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. JCPH’s Executive Director, Dr. Mark B. Johnson, provided a brief update on COVID-19 in Jefferson County. Jefferson Center’s CEO, Kiara Kuenzler, and several other experts shared mental health and wellness tips as well as local resources to support our community during this time. Community members also had an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panel.