COVID-19 HMAC CARES Mental Health Tips

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during and after a disaster.

Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time.

·      Please notice and accept how you feel.

·      Taking care of your emotional health during an emergency will help you;

v Think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.

v Self-care during an emergency will help your long-term healing.

·      Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.

·      Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

·      Take Care of your mind, body and spirit.

·      Take Deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.

·      Eat Healthy, well-balanced meals.

·      Exercise Regularly,

·      Get Plenty of sleep (7-8 hour a night)

·      Avoid Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

·      Make Time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

·      Connect with Talk/Video chat with people you trust about your concerns and feelings.

·      Call Your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

• People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.
• Seek help when needed– If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990.  Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA.

Resource Websites

Hope and Healing Center & Institute

https://hopeandhealingcenter.org/coronavirus-mental-health-help-resource-list/     

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.nami.org/Home

Mental Health America of Greater Houston

https://mhahouston.org