HMAC News

COVID-19 HMAC CARES Mental Health Tips

Emergency Response Team (ERT) | Published on 6/12/2020

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

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health America of Greater Houston

https://mhahouston.org