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How to Cope with the Added Anxiety of Being Asian-American During COVID-19

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The coronavirus pandemic has caused fear and anxiety around the world, but for Asians, that stress is mixed with the dread of being victimized by bias. How do we respond?

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Is your internship cancelled? Find out about it here with our live tracker.

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Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.

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Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC |

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Important: The legal information and materials on this website are intended to be used by trained immigration practitioners. If you are looking for assistance with your personal immigration case, please consult a licensed attorney who is an expert in immigration law or a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited representative.

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10 Largest Occupations in Health Care and Social Services

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10 Largest Occupations in Health Care and Social Services

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Office of Immigrant Relations. 1,319 likes · 206 talking about this. The Office of Immigrant Relations serves as a leading resource helping local governments & other entities to understand the issues...

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AACI is one of the largest community-based organizations advocating for and serving the marginalized and vulnerable ethnic communities in Santa Clara County.

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AACI's Doors Are Open for Essential Health Services Your Investment Makes it Possible to Keep

In response to the current crisis, AARP will be holding a tele-town hall event today

Please click below to read the most recent shelter at home order from Health Officer

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AACI's Doors Are Open for Essential Health Services Your Investment Makes it Possible to Keep In response to the current crisis, AARP will be holding a tele-town hall event today Please click below to read the most recent shelter at home order from Health Officer

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KALW-San Francisco, Discussion of Resources Available to Individuals Affected by COVID-19

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KALW is local public radio from the San Francisco Bay Area. BBC, NPR, and innovative local programming including Crosscurrents and Your Call.

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Disability Rights of California-Access and Information about COVID-19

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Disability Rights of California-Access and Information about COVID-19

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Disability Rights California Can Help You if:

You have questions about your legal rights during an outbreak.

Are seeing information that is not accessible from other agencies.

Feel you are experiencing an extra layer of disability discrimination during this time.

We can talk to you about your questions, determine how we can help, and get you the information that you need.

For assistance, please contact the Disability Rights California confidential intake line at 1-800-776-5746, available 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday or For TTY call: 1-800-719-5798.

Know Your Legal Rights

Anti-Discrimination: Do my legal rights change?

Although the situation is changing quickly, you still have the right to live, work, and access your community free of discrimination. This means that information should be distributed, and that you have the right to request reasonable accommodations from various agencies.

COVID-19 Emergency Allotment for CalFresh Recipients

Create a Household Plan of Action

Make sure to have an action plan. Now is a good time to reach out to your service providers and circles of support to start planning. If you already have a plan, review it to make sure it will still work.

Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

Things to Consider

Are you signed up for emergency warnings in your county? Do you know how to do that?

Do you know which phone numbers to call if you feel sick?

Have you identified people in the community who may provide you with support if you need it? Do you know their contact information?

Information from the California Department of Public Health
California is issuing daily updates on COVID-19. See the most recent update on the CDPH News Release page
"California is responding to the spread of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Cases of COVID-19 are also being reported internationally and in the United States. California is actively working with the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local governments, health facilities, and health care providers across the state to prepare and protect Californians from COVID-19."

How can people protect themselves?

Every person has a role to play. So much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Washing hands with soap and water.

Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.

Following guidance from public health officials.

What should you do if you think you're sick?

Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19 or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider or local public health department first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:

COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.

Is California able to test for COVID-19?

Twenty-two public health labs in California are testing samples for COVID-19. These labs include the California Department of Public Health's Laboratory in Richmond, Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey, Napa-Solano-Yolo-Marin (located in Solano), Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Shasta, Sonoma, Tulare and Ventura County public health laboratories. The Richmond Laboratory will provide diagnostic testing within a 48-hour turnaround time. More public health labs will soon be able to test samples for COVID-19. This means California public health officials will get test results sooner, so that patients will get the best care.

For more information visit:

The California Department of Public Health Guidance for Individuals with access and functional needs https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/COVID-19/guidance-for-individuals-with-access-and-functional-needs-03122020.pdf
California Department of Public Health California Department of Public Health Spanish Page
Video: Prevent the Spread of COVID: 5 Things to know about properly washing your hands
https://youtu.be/XnJ1wvlIcbs https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCoV2019_Spanish.aspx
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx Stores designate shopping time for seniors, and vulnerable populations Opinion: We are Ignoring One Obvious Way to Fight the Coronavirus
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/03/opinion/trump-coronavirus-sick-leave.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/03/17/coronavirus-shopping-stores-introduce-time-for-vulnerable-elderly-pregnant/5074064002/
California Department of Public Health Guidance Documents: Coronavirus Disease 2019 https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx

For DOR Consumers visit: https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/COVID19FAQ

Resources for the I/DD community/General Information link: http://disabilityvoicesunited.org/cv/

CDSS-Department of Social Services https://cdss.ca.gov/#covid19

Disability related articles on the issue:

5 Things to Know about Coronavirus and People with Disabilities https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewpulrang/2020/03/08/5-things-to-know-about-coronavirus-and-people-with-disabilities/#573e25eb1d21

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Announcement: Coronavirus and How Disability Rights California Can Help You

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You have questions about your legal rights during an outbreak. Are seeing information that is not accessible from other agencies. Feel you are experiencing an extra layer of disability discrimination during this time. We can talk to you about your questions, determine how we can help, and get you the information that you need.

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Fill Out This Form If You Are Disabled Living in East Bay and Need Supports

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Fill Out This Form If You Are Disabled Living in East Bay and Need Supports

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NO NEW APPLICANTS AT THIS TIME

Hello to all,
Well wishes to you and thank you for reaching out. At this time, Disability Justice Culture Club is temporarily pausing on accepting new applications. We're currently developing our plans for how to move forward with the mutual aid project and will share those plans as soon as we're able. We will also soon be posting a list of other mutual aid networks to reach out to for support.

If you are in Berkeley, please contact Easy Does It Emergency Services at (510) 704-2111. If you're in San Francisco, there is a mutual aid network being led by SDA that is supporting San Franciscans ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hqLnUN22aMoRnKnJJF2CzNP7u-RG5-rhZAz509z9wxE/viewform?edit_requested=true )

Sincerely,
DJCC

No Estamos Aceptando Nuevas Aplicaciones En Este Momento

Este es un cambio temporal. Ahora estamos creando un nuevo plan sobre cómo continuar este proyecto. Les diremos a todos nuestro nuevo plan cuando esté completo.

Estaremos contactandote dentro de 48 horas. Si estas en Berkeley, porfavor contacta Easy Does It Emergency Services al (510) 704-2111. Si estas en San Francisco hay alluda mutua que estan dirijidas por SDA que apollan a personas de San Freancisco ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hqLnUN22aMoRnKnJJF2CzNP7u-RG5-rhZAz509z9wxE/viewform?edit_requested=true )

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East Bay Disabled Folks COVID19 Support Request Form

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NO NEW APPLICANTS AT THIS TIME Hello to all, Well wishes to you and thank you for reaching out. At this time, Disability Justice Culture Club is temporarily pausing on accepting new applications. We're currently developing our plans for how to move forward with the mutual aid project and will share those plans as soon as we're able.

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Fill out this form to support disabled folx in the East Bay Area

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Responses to COVID-19 Must Center Disability Justice

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Responses to COVID-19 Must Center Disability Justice

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Because of COVID-19, many places are putting in place accessibility measures and resources that they have not had before. For instance, many companies have now begun to allow employees to work from home, even if it was not permitted before COVID-19 measures were implemented. As a disabled person, I am both heartened and angry to see the things that I have been asking for a long time finally be implemented. However, many employers' emergency measures are proving both slapdash and targeted toward abled people. This is not the same as thoughtful and meaningful accessibility measures grounded in disability justice.

Disability justice is a set of principles born out of queer and people-of-color-led disabled brilliance. Patty Berne, a Japanese-Haitian, queer disabled activist, has articulated this set of principles in a foundational way. I'm going to draw from these principles to provide a theoretical orientation to the ongoing need to reprioritize access issues amid the coronavirus pandemic, since for real change to happen, we need to get to the root of the issue.

First, please, if you are someone who is implementing changes right now, think about why you are making something accessible. If it is because you want to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the regulations will tell you exactly what you need to do. In other words, you're just following laws, not necessarily thinking about theoretical frameworks. That's not what I'm talking about right now. ADA compliance is extremely important, but it's a floor, not a ceiling. I'm focusing on collective access, which is the ninth principle of Berne's disability justice framework.

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Collective Access

Berne writes,

A ninth principle is collective access, that as brown and queer crips we bring flexibility and creative nuance to engage with each other, that we value exploring and creating new ways of doing things that go beyond able bodied/minded normativity. Access needs [do] not need to be held in shame - we all have various capacities which function differently in different environments. Access needs can be articulated within a community and met privately or through a collective, depending on an individual's needs, desires, and the capacity of the group. We can share responsibility for our access needs without shame, we can ask [our] needs be met without compromising [our] integrity, we can balance autonomy while being in community, we can be unafraid of our vulnerabilities knowing our strengths are respected.

Employers and organizations need to be committed not just to mitigating a pandemic, but to disability justice, collective access and a shared understanding that different ways of being in the world should be more than simply tolerated. We must recognize the unique value that disabled people bring to our lives and collective work. Of course, we as disabled people would still have a right to access if we did not contribute specifically to work-oriented projects and organizations, but that doesn't change the fact that we are already making those kinds of contributions, and we are needed now more than ever.

So, what does accessibility look like when working toward collective access? In my experience, part of it is understanding that everyone deserves to have an equitable, comparable experience based on their needs. Right now, many organizations and businesses are quickly setting up work- and meet-from-home technologies in an attempt to "flatten the curve." This can be great as long as all of the participants have the same opportunities to learn and participate. Before coronavirus, the few places that had remote access would often have a problematic set-up. For example, when in-person meetings occur at a physical location and all of the norms of those meetings are based on the needs of the people in the room, the people on the phone are an afterthought. So, while theoretically you are giving the disabled people at home "access" to the meeting, it's not true access if the meeting starts before the tech is set up or if there isn't captioning for deaf folks who want to participate.

We must recognize the unique value that disabled people bring to our lives and collective work.

This doesn't have to be very complicated; just think about what the experience is like for people using different ways of access. Of course, you should also be hiring disability consultants, but disabled people have learned to ask for crumbs.

Further, if you as an employer or organizer need to put the resources into making these kinds of changes, it's probably a lot cheaper than you think. In fact, you will likely end up saving money after skipping travel expenses, for example. Other major benefits beyond disability access, expense savings and keeping people safe from the coronavirus include reducing carbon footprints.

Now is a good time to think about whether in-person meetings work best for your goals, making sure to center the most marginalized. Of course, there are so many kinds of projects and tasks that need to be in-person, which it's best not to be completely prescriptive. That said, people should think deeply about what does and doesn't need to be in-person with consideration of the technologies, tools and concerns we have today, not outdated customs.

Collective Access Also Requires Individual Access

While working from home seems to be one of the most common responses that organizations are having to the outbreak, it's important to remember that, for many people, moving to remote access may make something that was previously accessible now inaccessible. For example, I have a deaf friend who has an American Sign Language interpreter at school, and who will have trouble with her now online, uncaptioned class. It is extremely important to have a default level of access, which is why checklists for access issues are so important.

If you are doing things right, then you will have a lot of people with access needs, since that means more disabled people are participating. Even if you are following one of the great checklists out there, sometimes someone will need a unique accommodation. One of the things such checklists will tell you is to have a way for people to request specific accommodations. If your organization values disabled people, then the reaction to these requests should be to do everything you can to make it happen.

So many organizations seem to provide accommodations begrudgingly, looking for any reason to say no. This is ableist, and simply clarifying your organization's orientation toward disability justice can lead to a lot of easy ways to make things more accessible.

A deaf friend who has an American Sign Language interpreter at school will have trouble with her now online, uncaptioned class.

A lot of accessibility concerns revolve around reasonable exceptions to small rules designed to stop people in the aggregate from doing something as opposed to individuals. For example, our local Pride event used to absolutely refuse to let anyone bring food or water in, even people like my friend with severe allergies who could not eat anything being sold there. While the policy as a whole makes sense, it's the easiest thing in the world to just allow them and their family in with store-bought food. Simply taking the attitude of trying to make accommodations work and being willing to think critically about the rules that are in place will decrease some of the barriers for disabled people.

Intersectionality and Financial Access

Another principle of disability justice is intersectionality. That means our experiences as disabled people are also affected by our other identities. It's not enough for the white, educated disabled people to have access, which is what tends to happen when policies aren't thoughtful. Disability itself is also tied to other marginalizations, including poverty. Since disabled people are more likely to be poor, it's also important to think about financial access.

Obviously, if your plan is to begin more regular, online meetings, everyone needs to have access to the technology to do that. Don't assume that people have what they need, especially disabled people, since we are so often forced into poverty to be eligible for disability benefits. Working toward disability justice means also prioritizing access by poor and working-class people, and having a plan for making sure everyone has the resources they need to participate.

Disabled people are so amazing and different from each other that there is no one accommodation-fits-all rule, and we need to understand that at every level of planning. Berne's theoretical framework, however, can help turn these unprecedented but hurried coronavirus measures into actual disability justice.

Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.

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Our Responses to COVID-19 Must Center Disability Justice

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Because of COVID-19, many places are putting in place accessibility measures and resources that they have not had before. For instance, many companies have now begun to allow employees to work from home, even if it was not permitted before COVID-19 measures were implemented.

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With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing every day, psychologists offer insights on how to separate yourself from others, while still getting the social support you need.

Around the world, public officials are asking people who have contracted or been exposed to the new coronavirus to practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures in an effort to slow disease's spread.

Social distancing means keeping a safe distance (approximately 6 feet) from others and avoiding gathering spaces such as schools, churches, concert halls and public transportation.

Quarantine involves avoiding contact with others if a person has been exposed to coronavirus to see if they become ill.

Isolation involves separating an individual who has contracted COVID-19 to prevent them from spreading it to others.

Spending days or weeks at home with limited resources, stimulation and social contact can take a toll on mental health. Though controlled studies on interventions to reduce the psychological risks of quarantine and isolation are lacking, psychologists have established best practices for handling these challenging circumstances.

Here is a summary of research on social distancing, quarantine and isolation, as well as recommendations on how people can cope if asked to take such measures.

What to Expect

People asked to stay home due to illness, exposure or active community spread of COVID-19 will likely be cut off from their regular routines for at least two weeks, the estimated incubation period for the virus.

Common sources of stress during this period include a drop in meaningful activities, sensory stimuli and social engagement; financial strain from being unable to work; and a lack of access to typical coping strategies such as going to the gym or attending religious services.

Psychologists' research has found that during a period of social distancing, quarantine or isolation, you may experience:

Fear and anxiety

You may feel anxious or worried about yourself or your family members contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. It's also normal to have concerns about obtaining food and personal supplies, taking time off work or fulfilling family care obligations. Some people may have trouble sleeping or focusing on daily tasks.

Depression and boredom

A hiatus from work and other meaningful activities interrupts your daily routine and may result in feelings of sadness or low mood. Extended periods of time spent at home can also cause feelings of boredom and loneliness.

Anger, frustration or irritability

The loss of agency and personal freedom associated with isolation and quarantine can often feel frustrating. You may also experience anger or resentment toward those who have issued quarantine or isolation orders or if you feel you were exposed to the virus because of another person's negligence.

Stigmatization

If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, you may feel stigmatized by others who fear they will contract the illness if they interact with you.

Vulnerable Populations

Older adults, people with pre-existing mental health conditions and health-care workers helping with the response to the coronavirus may have an increased risk of experiencing psychological distress when they engage in social distancing, quarantine or isolation.

People with disabilities who require specialized diets, medical supplies, assistance from caregivers and other accommodations are also at risk for psychological challenges during a pandemic because of the increased difficulties in receiving the care they require.

How to Cope

Fortunately, psychological research also points to ways to manage these difficult conditions. Before social distancing, quarantine or isolation orders are enacted, experts recommend planning ahead by considering how you might spend your time, who you can contact for psychosocial support and how you can address any physical or mental health needs you or your family may have.

Limit news consumption to reliable sources

It's important to obtain accurate and timely public health information regarding COVID-19, but too much exposure to media coverage of the virus can lead to increased feelings of fear and anxiety. Psychologists recommend balancing time spent on news and social media with other activities unrelated to quarantine or isolation, such as reading, listening to music or learning a new language. Trusted organizations - including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the World Health Organization - are ideal sources of information on the virus.

Create and follow a daily routine

Maintaining a daily routine can help both adults and children preserve a sense of order and purpose in their lives despite the unfamiliarity of isolation and quarantine. Try to include regular daily activities, such as work, exercise or learning, even if they must be executed remotely. Integrate other healthy pastimes as needed.

Stay virtually connected with others

Your face-to-face interactions may be limited, but psychologists suggest using phone calls, text messages, video chat and social media to access social support networks. If you're feeling sad or anxious, use these conversations as an opportunity to discuss your experience and associated emotions. Reach out to those you know who are in a similar situation. Facebook groups have already formed to facilitate communication and support among individuals asked to quarantine.

Relying on pets for emotional support is another way to stay connected. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend restricting contact with pets if you contract COVID-19 until the risks of transmission between humans and animals are better understood.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Get enough sleep, eat well and exercise in your home when you are physically capable of doing so. Try to avoid using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the stresses of isolation and quarantine. If needed, consider telehealth options for psychotherapy. If you already have a psychologist, contact them ahead of a potential quarantine to see if they can continue your sessions using phone-based or online delivery.

Use psychological strategies to manage stress and stay positive

Examine your worries and aim to be realistic in your assessment of the actual concern as well as your ability to cope. Try not to catastrophize; instead focus on what you can do and accept the things you can't change. One way to do this is to keep a daily gratitude journal. You may also choose to download smartphone applications that deliver mindfulness and relaxation exercises. For example, PTSD Coach is a free application developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Center for PTSD and the Department of Defense's National Center for Telehealth and Technology. It contains coping and resilience resources such as exercises for deep breathing, positive imagery, muscle relaxation and more.

Focusing on the altruistic reasons for social distancing, quarantine or isolation can also help mitigate psychological distress. Remember that by taking such measures, you are reducing the possibility of transmitting COVID-19 and protecting those who are most vulnerable.

What Happens Next

Following a period of quarantine or isolation, you may feel mixed emotions, including relief and gratitude, frustration or anger towards people who worry you may infect them with the virus, or even feelings of personal growth and increased spirituality. It's also normal to feel anxious, but if you experience symptoms of extreme stress, such as ongoing trouble sleeping, inability to carry out daily routines, or an increase in alcohol or drug use, seek help from a health-care provider.

See more APA advice on ways to deal with COVID-19.

Tools and Resources

GeroCentral Covid-19 Resources
Resources for clinicians, older adults and families

Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Advice for the Public
World Health Organization, 2020

Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014

The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence
Brooks, S.K., et al.,The Lancet, 2020

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Disaster Mental Health Information
Contact APA Practice Directorate

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With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing every day, psychologists offer insights on how to separate yourself from others, while still getting the social support you need. Around the world, public officials are asking people who have contracted or been exposed to the new coronavirus to practice social distancing, quarantine or isolation measures in an effort to slow disease's spread.

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Upcoming Virtual Workshop on Combatting Racism Against Asian Communities (April 23rd)

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Upcoming Virtual Workshop on Combatting Racism Against Asian Communities (April 23rd)

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Virtual Workshop/ Zoom link: https://ucsb.zoom.us/j/792203272

Join us for the first of many conversations to contextualize the rise of local and global xenophobia against Asian communities in the midst of COVID-19, and brainstorm ways to fight back against it.

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Public Webinar: "Combating Racism Against Asian Communities - Covid-19" (updated date)

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Virtual Workshop/ Zoom link: https://ucsb.zoom.us/j/792203272 Join us for the first of many conversations to contextualize the rise of local and global xenophobia against Asian communities in the midst of COVID-19, and brainstorm ways to fight back against it.

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Talkspace Resource on Supporting College Student Mental Health

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Talkspace Resource on Supporting College Student Mental Health

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In my last two months of college, I thought I would be cherishing time with my friends, tying up loose ends with my student organizations, and making the most of the little time I had left in a college town.

Instead, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, my college experience as I know it has abruptly been cut short - a disruption shared by college students across the country.

Over a matter of days, it seems almost everything has changed. Classes are being held on virtual platforms. Events and rituals - including graduation ceremonies - are being cancelled. Some colleges have strongly encouraged students to leave campus, while others have mandated it.

The general sentiment among college students is one of disbelief, disappointment, and sadness. While I understand and strongly agree with the social distancing measures being implemented, it doesn't make the transition any easier. No one was expecting this, and it's more important now than ever before to make sure we stay connected, supported, and mentally well.

Moving Back Home

Many students are leaving campus and moving back in with their family, either because their campus has required them to leave or because of their family's preference. While some students may welcome this time with family, others will find it extremely challenging.

If you have a stressful home life, you are not alone. After adjusting to life on campus, home is not an ideal situation for many students, and being stripped of your choice to live elsewhere can be devastating. Dr. Amy Cirbus reminds us that this is an adjustment period for both you and your family, so try to be patient. She adds, "give yourself permission, and your family permission, to make mistakes. Try again tomorrow and do the best you can."

If this is the scenario you find yourself in, here are some tips to improve the situation and hopefully weather it with grace:

If you feel physically unsafe in your current living situation, please reach out to a trusted friend or other family member as soon as possible. In the meantime, Dr. Amy Cirbus recommends creating emotionally safe boundaries, like those discussed above. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.

Feel Your Feelings

Over the past week, some people have ridiculed others for expressing sadness or anger as plans change and events get cancelled. These people employ the tactic of reminding you how bad others have it - people are sick and dying, afterall - so what do you really have to complain about?

What this perspective fails to acknowledge is that this is not how human emotions work. Our feelings don't disappear just because we have the knowledge that others deal with bigger, more serious problems. Trying to make these feelings disappear can actually make them come back stronger.

However, it is possible to have it both ways. We can acknowledge that others in this country and the world are dealing with bigger problems than those that we are as young, healthy college students. We can practice social distancing because we know we owe it to our most vulnerable citizens. We can accept the reality of what is, and we can also be extremely sad and disappointed about it. Feeling our own feelings and being empathetic towards the hardships of others are in no way mutually exclusive.

During this challenging time, allow yourself to process your feelings. Talk about it, journal, and sit with your emotions. We are grieving the loss of an important period of time in our lives that we will never get back - and we are allowed to feel sad about it.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

In the midst of this crisis, it is just as important to take care of our mental health as it is our physical health. In addition to staying connected to friends and safely exercising, here are some other tips to prioritize your mental wellness:

Most importantly, make sure you have access to a mental health professional during this crisis if you need one. Many students are unsure of the state of their mental health care, as they may be moving away from their on-campus or near-campus counselor. You may be able to do telephone or video chat appointments with your provider, or can explore online options like online therapy with Talkspace.

College was already a time when it felt like so much is changing everyday. In the midst of change on a massive scale, let's continue to look out for each other and prioritize our well-being.

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How College Students Can Prioritize Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak | Talkspace

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In my last two months of college, I thought I would be cherishing time with my friends, tying up loose ends with my student organizations, and making the most of the little time I had left in a college town.

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Mental Health and COVID-19 Information for Mental Health During Outbreaks

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Mental Health and COVID-19 Information for Mental Health During Outbreaks

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As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does the associated anxiety.

For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions - or the one in two who are at risk of developing them - we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.

For the past several weeks, MHA has been using its unique database to monitor daily this increase in anxiety. According to our screening data, we experienced a 19 percent increase in screening for clinical anxiety in the first weeks of February, and a 12 percent increase in the first two weeks of March.

This suggests that our screeners are not just "worried well." Instead they represent thousands of people whose lives and sense of well-being are being severely impacted by concerns about the virus.

As things unfold in the coming days and weeks, MHA will continue to monitor anxiety.

To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.
Mental Health Information for Disease Outbreaks Financial Support Tools and Information on Anxiety Tools to Connect with Others Resources for Immediate Response Webinars, Live Events, and Workshops For Mental Health Providers For Parents For Caregivers For Older Adults For Domestic Violence Survivors For LGBTQ+ Individuals For Veterans How-To Articles General Information about COVID-19
COVID-19: Accessing Critical Medications for Your Loved One
This webpage from the Partnership for Drug-free Kids provides guidance for those considering or using pharmacotherapy, also known as medication-assisted treatment, to treat their opioid use disorder who might be wondering how COVID-19 will impact their ability to get these critical medications.
What is Anxiety? Anxiety Information and Support Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety Staying Grounded Meditations and Calming Exercises Social Support: Getting And Staying Connected Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)'s Online Support Groups #JustCheckingIn
IDONTMIND started a campaign to connect people who are practicing social distancing and encourage others to join in using the hashtag #JustCheckingIn on Instagram.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you're unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

Caregiver Help Desk
Contact Caregiver Action Network's Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640.Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges. Caregiving experts are available 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM ET.

The Partnership for Drug-free Kids Helpline
Call 1-855-378-4373 if you are having difficulty accessing support for your family, or a loved one struggling with addiction faces care or treatment challenges resulting from COVID-19 circumstances, the Partnership for Drug-free Kids' specialists can guide you. Support is available in English and Spanish, from 9:00am-midnight ET weekdays and noon-5:00pm ET on weekends.

Smithsonian Workshop: Meditation and Mindfulness
The Smithsonian Institution is offering free 30-minute online meditations four times each week led by DC-based meditation teachers, starting Monday, March 23. These free sessions are appropriate for all levels of practitioners. No previous experience is required.
A Guide to Transitioning Your Clinic to a Remote Work Environment Medicare Telehealth Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet Use of Telemedicine While Providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Guidance COVID-19 and Opioid Treatment Programs FAQ COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance Parenting during Coronavirus Talking to Kids about COVID-19 Cómo hablar con los niños sobre el coronavirus Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Crisis How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids Talking to Kids about Fear and Violence The Parent Guide to Resilience List of Live Webcams, Virtual Tours, and Virtual Field Trips Scholastic Learn at Home Free Resources Smithsonian Distance Learning Resources Virtual Field Trips from Discovery Education Free Learning Resources from Lakeshore Learning Materials List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus Caregiving for a Person with a Mental Illness COVID-19 and Family Caregiving Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators Caring for someone at home during COVID-19 Caregiver Action Network National Alliance for Caregiving National Council on Aging Do Your Part to Stem COVID-19: An Intergenerational Call to Action Older Adults & Isolation during COVID-19 Information on COVID-19 for Survivors, Communities, and DV/SA Programs
People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing increased isolation and danger caused by social distancing measures during the Coronavirus pandemic. Futures Without Violence curated resources for survivors and communities.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you're unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Staying Safe During COVID-19 COVID-19 Resources for Veterans from the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs How to Deal with Coronavirus Anxiety Prepare for Coronavirus Deal with the Coronavirus Outbreak: Your Most Common Questions Answered How To Talk To Kids About Coronavirus Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Hub from the CDC Fact Sheets on COVID-19 in Spanish and Other Languages Coronavisrus (COVID-19) Situation Report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public Preguntas y respuestas sobre la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) American Psychological Association (APA) Resources on Pandemics
Coronavirus - COVID-19 - Provides basic COVID-19 information in various languages.

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Mental Health and COVID-19 - Information and Resources

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As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does the associated anxiety. For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects.