The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger. Find more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.
Things you can do to support yourself
- 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 body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
Deer Oaks EAP
All employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program. Deer Oaks EAP offers free counseling services in your local area and over the phone.
Deer Oaks may be reached at 866-792-3616
Deer Oaks also offers great information on their website:
deeroakseap.com
Employees log in with the username and password: SON
Here are some free behavioral health resources available for the public:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress
Talk with a counselor, a doctor, or a clergy member anytime of the day or week. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Interpreters are available as well.
Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 Messaging: Text TalkWithUs to 66746.
More information: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Boys Town National Hotline
The Boys Town National Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors. This is a great resource for parents/caregivers and families.
Hotline: 1-800-448-3000. Email for speech- and hearing-impaired: hotline@boystown.org.
More information: https://www.boystown.org/hotline/Pages/default.aspx
The Nebraska Family Helpline
A great resource for families concerned about a youth experiencing mental or behavioral health issues. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
More information: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Nebraska-Family-Helpline.aspx
