Resources and Info for Coping during COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Outbreak: Information and Tips on Resilience, Coping, & Assistance Stress and COVID-19: The outbreak of the new corona virus (COVID-19) is likely to cause stress and fear for families, individuals, and the community. Just like a hurricane or flood, this outbreak is another type of disaster situation that has disrupted our daily lives and is influencing our health. It’s normal to feel worried, and it’s important to know there are resources and information that will help you cope with the stress. Knowing how to cope in a crisis situation helps make our community stronger.

Signs of Stress: · Feeling irritable or angry · Change in appetite or energy · Feeling sadder or worrying more than usual · Using alcohol/drugs more than usual · Having problems with sleep or concentration

How to Reduce Stress: · Limit how much time you spend reading about the outbreak · Get news and information from trustworthy sources · Connect with friends/ family using things like video chat so you don’t feel as alone · If you are taking care of family remember to take care of yourself too – eat well, take breaks, exercise, mediate · Have a routine – having a schedule even if everyone is at home will help make things feel more normal

Everyday Living: The outbreak has closed schools and work places. Some people may have to stay home with kids even if their work place is open. Many people may be worried about how to afford normal day to day living. You may wonder how you will afford rent or bills or how to feed your family. There are resources in New Orleans being set up to help with this! Water and electric services won’t be turned off if you can’t pay because you are affected by COVID-19. There is a current pause on evictions. Schools and other groups are offering food to students and families. NOLA Ready has updates about changes in the city that have been made to help people manage during the outbreak (links below).

Info on Food, Legal, & Financial Help in LA:

· Food for students & families

· Financial help if you aren't able to work

· Info about paying utility bills

· Legal help

· How to donate or volunteer

Online Resources for Coping with Stress*:

· Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

· COVID-19 How to Prepare: Managing Anxiety & Stress

· Coping with Stress During Infection Disease Outbreaks

· Behavioral Health Disaster Response Mobile App

*Links from CDC & SAMHSA

Where to Find Trustworthy News and Updates:

- NOLA Ready – look for info about local response and COVID-19 updates online at www.ready.nola.gov or sign up for text message updates by texting COVIDNOLA to 888777

- Louisiana Department of Health COVID-19 homepage – http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/

- Local news sources – find news stories online, on the radio, and on TV – some news outlets include www.nola.com, www.wwno.org, 89.9 FM, and TV channels 4, 6, and 8.

- CDC COVD-19 homepage – www.cdc.gov/covid19

Stress and anxiety can affect you in many ways – it might be emotional, physical, behavioral, or a combination. Listen to the advice from experts and know when and where to reach out if you need help.

If you feel overwhelmed by your worries: Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746