COVID-19 Resources for Everyone
Mental health continues to be available during COVID-19. If you have an existing relationship with a psychologist, therapist, or counselor, please reach out to them for help when you need it. If you are looking for a psychologist, you can search the APA's directory here.
Coping with COVID-19
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress has advice for coping when quarantined with someone suffering from COVID-19, when a family member is hospitalized with COVID-19, and if a loved one dies from COVID-19.
Coping with Anxiety
This article from the American Psychological Association looks at ways people can cope with anxiety. Here are some self-care tips from the APA and this podcast covers ways to address any anxiety you may be feeling about the novel coronavirus. There are also resources in English and en Español on these fliers. Key steps that you can take include:
Self care tips specifically for older adults are available here from the American Psychological Association.
- Identify a few trustworthy sources of information about the COVID-19 virus and stick to those sources to limit misinformation and sensationalized news. Good sources include the CDC and the WHO. APA's five ways to manage anxiety while consuming the news is available here.
- Consider real risk factors to understand the low probability most Americans have of developing a serious illness and to help combat disease-related racism.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation exercises to help calm your anxiety.
- Continue electronic contact with loved ones you cannot visit in person. A strong friends and family network helps boost resiliency and now is a time when that resiliency will be especially important. Phone calls, video calls, and other electronic communication can help with feelings of isolation or overwhelm.
- Exercise at home. Maintaining a routine as much as possible is important to feelings of well being and exercise can help promote a greater sense of calm. Exercises like yoga and walking or running while practicing social distancing can be done within state and federal guidelines.
- If you have an existing relationship with a mental health provider, do not discontinue your meetings. In Illinois, insurance providers are required to offer coverage for electronic appointments, like video chats or phone calls, for the duration of the crisis. If you are uncomfortable leaving the house, you should ask your provider about setting up a telepsychology appointment.
- If you do not have an existing relationship with a mental health provider but feel you could benefit from therapy or are feeling overwhelmed, mental health providers are still working. Many hospital systems have set up hotlines for people feeling overwhelmed by the current COVID-19 crisis. You can also search for a provider through the American Psychological Association.
Coronavirus Resources for Chicago
A summary of numerous resources for people affected by the coronavirus. This is focused on the City of Chicago, but much of the information is applicable to Illinois and USA residents. This covers everything from what to do if you feel you are sick to resources for those economically impacted by the crisis. Available here
Resources for Older Adults
Self care tips specifically for older adults are available here from the American Psychological Association.
CDC resources for older adults and long term care facilities are available here.
Resources for Families
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress has put together information about how to take care of your family, help homebound children cope, and talk to children and teens about the coronavirus health crisis. There is also information about managing family conflict while home during COVID-19.
PBS resources include activities you can do at home and age-appropriate information about COVID-19, WHO helping children cope with anxiety infographic, CDC Frequently Asked Questions for Children
The Illinois State Board of Education has obtained a waiver from the federal government so that schools can continue providing free and reduced lunch. Reach out to your school to find out more.
Remote Work
Advice from the American Psychological Association for people newly working from home is available here.
This article looks at productivity-related anxiety that may be spiking as people work from home and ways you can help manage any productivity anxiety you are feeling.
Resources for Economic Relief
Economic assistance measures in Illinois have been summarized on this webpage.
Resources for Small Businesses and Workers
Senator Laura Murphy compiled currently available programs in the state of Illinois to help alleviate some of the economic burden of the health crisis.