Supporting People’s Mental Health Regarding COVID-19
The impact of news related to the illness is making the value of mental health support clear. The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL) and Peer-to-Peer Warmline are here to support people’s mental health concerns during this challenging time brought on by the recent COVID-19 concerns. We also want to take this opportunity to highlight some tips for supporting ourselves and others during this time.
Our Role is Simple
Refer people to medical professionals when they are seeking advice or medical info
Support the emotion behind the concern including validation, normalizing and psychoeducation
Provide Solution-Focused Interventions to identify supports and coping strategies
Monitor your own reactions for countertransference
Common Symptoms and Concerns
Uncertainty or frustration about how long the situation will continue and the future
Loneliness/Isolation associated with feeling cut off from the world and from loved ones.
Anger when thinking about potential exposure to the disease.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive distressing memories, flashbacks (reliving the event), nightmares, changes in thoughts and mood, and being easily startled.
An increase or decrease in energy and activity levels
An increase in alcohol, tobacco use, or use of illegal drugs
An increase in irritability, with outbursts of anger and frequent arguing
Having trouble relaxing or sleeping
Crying frequently
Worrying excessively
Blaming other people for everything
Having difficulty communicating or listening
Having difficulty giving or accepting help
Inability to feel pleasure or have fun
Physical symptoms such as stomach aches, diarrhea, headaches, changes in appetite
Ways to Support Oneself
Understand Your Risk: Seek information from healthcare providers regarding your specific risk factors and prevention
Avoid Unhelpful Sources of Information: find the news source that you trust and avoid monitoring it 24/7 as this can increase anxiety
Seek connection with family and friends: Utilize any technology available to prevent isolation and maintain perspective
Take Care of Your Basic Needs: Think about your positive coping skills and
Sources for Reliable Outbreak-Related Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) http://www.cdc.gov
World Health Organization 202-974-3000 http://www.who.int/en
For questions about COVID-19, please call the NM DOH Coronavirus Hotline at #855-600-3453
If you need someone here to hear you for mental health concerns, please call NMCAL at #855-662-7474
Reasons to call the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line or Peer to Peer Warmline…
If you or someone you care about is:
Thinking about wanting to die, hurt or kill oneself
Concerned about use of drugs or alcohol, substance use, gambling, or other addiction
Behaving in ways you know aren’t safe, but continue anyway
Having a hard time keeping your anger under control
Withdrawing or becoming isolated
Talking about being a burden to others
Sleeping too little or too much
Seeking support for someone struggling with mental health
Looking for a counselor in your area
Just needing someone to talk to
We’re here to hear you
Crisis Line: 1-855-662-7474 (TTY 1-855-227-5485) (professional counselors - call toll free 24/7/365)
Warmline: 1-855-466-7100 (peer supports - call/text toll free 3:30pm-11:30pm)
www.nmcrisisline.com (free and confidential)
Razones para llamar a laNMCAL…
Si usted o alguien a quien a usted le importa está:
Pensando en querer morir,herirse o matarse
Preocupado por el uso de drogas o alcohol, uso de sustancias, juegos de azar u otras adicciones
Comportarse de maneras que sabe que no son seguras, pero continúe de todos modos
Tener dificultades para mantener el enojo bajo control
Retirarse o aislarse
Hablando de ser una carga para los demás
Dormir muy poco o demasiado
Buscando apoyo para alguien que tiene problemas de salud mental
Buscando un consejero en su área
Simplemente necesita a alguien con quien hablar
Estamos aquí para escucharlo
Línea de Crisis: 1-855-662-7474 (TTY 1-855-227-5485) (Consejeros profesionales - llamada 24/7/365)
Línea reconfortante: 1-855-466-7100 (Apoyo decompañeros - llamada 3:30pm‐11:30pm)
www.nmcrisisline.com (gratias y confidencial)