Whatcom County COVID-19 Community Helpers Hotline
360-778-2762 - www.bellinghamhelpers.com
Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak
Preparing For Your Wellness Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak
Preparing For Your Wellness
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or 741741 at the Crisis Text Line.
The national Disaster Distress Helpline (call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746) offers 24/7 emotional support & if you have any medical concerns speak to a trusted healthcare provider.
Just as individuals with pre-existing physical illness are more likely to get physically ill from the coronavirus, people whose mental health is compromised are at greater risk of experiencing worsening mental illness as a result of the coronavirus – no matter what their mental illness may be.
Clinical anxiety is a concern at times like this. It is understandable and expected that people will experience worry and stress during this time. However, for individuals living with mental health conditions, it is important to know when these natural emotions are becoming anxiety.
Anxiety is a treatable clinical condition that should not be left untreated. Testing for anxiety is simple and takes just a few minutes. It can be done at home using our free, anonymous, and confidential online tools at www.mhascreening.org.
It is important to know that severe anxiety can bring on a panic attack. Panic attacks can mimic heart attacks. Individuals who have never experienced panic attacks may be inclined to go to the ER due to their symptoms, but at this time ERs are inundated. It may be helpful to try to determine what brought on these symptoms and attempt grounding exercises to alleviate the panic. If you feel your life is in danger, please get help immediately.
Mental health conditions are by nature isolating, and we want to keep people connected. Create your wellness plan to help you during this time.
360-778-2762 - www.bellinghamhelpers.com
Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak
Preparing For Your Wellness Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak
Preparing For Your Wellness
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or 741741 at the Crisis Text Line.
The national Disaster Distress Helpline (call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746) offers 24/7 emotional support & if you have any medical concerns speak to a trusted healthcare provider.
Just as individuals with pre-existing physical illness are more likely to get physically ill from the coronavirus, people whose mental health is compromised are at greater risk of experiencing worsening mental illness as a result of the coronavirus – no matter what their mental illness may be.
Clinical anxiety is a concern at times like this. It is understandable and expected that people will experience worry and stress during this time. However, for individuals living with mental health conditions, it is important to know when these natural emotions are becoming anxiety.
Anxiety is a treatable clinical condition that should not be left untreated. Testing for anxiety is simple and takes just a few minutes. It can be done at home using our free, anonymous, and confidential online tools at www.mhascreening.org.
It is important to know that severe anxiety can bring on a panic attack. Panic attacks can mimic heart attacks. Individuals who have never experienced panic attacks may be inclined to go to the ER due to their symptoms, but at this time ERs are inundated. It may be helpful to try to determine what brought on these symptoms and attempt grounding exercises to alleviate the panic. If you feel your life is in danger, please get help immediately.
Mental health conditions are by nature isolating, and we want to keep people connected. Create your wellness plan to help you during this time.
- Make sure you have enough medication on hand.
- Typically prescriptions can be filled a week or so before they run out. Refill them on the first possible day, because that can buy an extra few days of lowered stress about a prescription running out and not being able to get to the drug store to fill it.
- Contact your pharmacy to see if they provide delivery services or if they can provide you a longer supply (30 days versus 90 days)
- Keep the routines that make you feel good, and try to modify the ones that you can. For example, if you typically go to the gym or fitness class, you can exercise at home.
- Check to see if local gyms are offering online classes or trial periods for their online sessions.
- Create a routine.
- Reach out to friends and schedule virtual hangouts.
- Find an accountability and support buddy.
- If you have a therapist, see if they offer telephone or video-based sessions.
- Utilize resources like Crisis Text Line (Text 741741) or online support groups NAMI Whatcom Connections or Family Support
- Contact a warmline. Warmlines are run by peers and may be a great support tool.
Educating, Supporting and Advocating for those Affected by Mental Illness in Whatcom County since 1984.
The resources provided through NAMI Whatcom and namiwhatcom.org are not a substitute for the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified professionals. Should you have any health, medical or disability questions or concerns, please consult a physician or other health care professional. To find a professional, use our provider directory.
NAMI Whatcom is fully inclusive of individuals and families of all backgrounds and cultures. Our affiliate collaborates with others to advocate for system change and public policies that best support recovery and resiliency for those living with mental illness.
NAMI Whatcom is fully inclusive of individuals and families of all backgrounds and cultures. Our affiliate collaborates with others to advocate for system change and public policies that best support recovery and resiliency for those living with mental illness.
Copyright © 2020 NAMI Whatcom
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.