Pandemic Resources: Mental Health Tips, Public Health News and Community Resources

We know many of our community members remain impacted and concerned about the pandemic. We hope you are safe. To help, we have gathered updates, tips, and resources for you.

Quick Tips

  • Stay informed and trust only reputable sources for information, including the CDC, Los Angeles Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Public Health. More links for updates in the “COVID-19 Information” section.
  • Follow advice on prevention, including wearing masks (even after vaccinated), washing hands and refraining from touching your face, social distancing, and staying home if you are ill (more below).
  • Try to maintain perspective and rely on your social network for support. Know you are not alone and there is help if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
    Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message
    Los Angeles Department of Mental Health 24/7 Helpline: 800-854-7771 (more from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health)
    More help from NAMI

The Latest on Vaccinations

Website for info and appointments: http://VaccinateLACounty.com or http://VacunateLosAngeles.com

Appointment notifications: http://myturn.ca.gov

Visit http://VaccinateALL58.com for COVID-19 vaccination information, facts and updates on eligibility.


Advice For Those With Mental Health Conditions

If you or a loved one is living with a mental health condition, consider these tips from NAMI.

  • For anyone who is unsure about attending therapy sessions outside the home, especially those who the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has described as being at higher risk, you can ask your health care provider about tele-therapy or mental health services online.
  • For anyone who is worried about access to prescribed medications, you can ask your health care provider about getting 90-day supplies vs. a 60- or 30-day supply. If this is not possible, we encourage you to refill your medications as soon as they are allowed. (Note: If healthcare providers deny/decline making accommodations, challenge the decisions at least three times. Decision-makers on making health plan adjustments may change if/as conditions worsen.)
  • Listen to and follow advice from your local public health care provider.
  • Practice self-care, especially if you are in the higher risk population as defined by the CDC. Pay attention to emerging symptoms. Reach out to family and friends (find ways to stay connected while social-distancing guidelines are in place and employ mental health coping strategies).

More Mental Health Tips and Resources

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources Guide and Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (Los Angeles Department of Mental Health)

Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies (NAMI)

COVID-19 Care Package, including Tools for Addressing Loneliness and Tips for Keeping Your Worrying in Check (UCLA)

Emotional Health Resources (California Department of Public Health)

 Playbook: Stress Relief during COVID-19 (California Surgeon General)

Playbook: Stress Relief for Caregivers and Kids during COVID-19 (California Surgeon General)

Maintaining Stress for Better Mental Health

Mental Health Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization)

Coping with Coronavirus Fears and Anxiety (UCLA Health)

Feeling Anxiety About Coronavirus? A Psychologist Offers Tips to Stay Clearheaded (University of California San Francisco)

How to Keep Coronavirus Fears from Affecting Your Mental Health (CNN)

7 Science-Based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety (The Conversation)

How to Deal with Coronavirus if You Have OCD or Anxiety (Vice)

How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus (New York Times)

Even more from NAMI


COVID-19 UPDATES

Los Angeles Department of Health Updates

Los Angeles Mayor Updates

California Department of Health Updates (also En Español)

Drive-Up Mobile Testing (County of Los Angeles)

Recommendations on Face-Coverings (County of Los Angeles)

California Department of Health Guidance for Gatherings/Events

CDC Updates

Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities (CDC)

COVID-19 – Yes, Large Gathering Cancellations Are Good for Everyone (UC Davis Health)

How canceled events and self-quarantines save lives, in one chart (Vox)


Community Resources

Los Angeles County Community Resources, including food for children and seniors

Ways to Stay Connected During the COVID-19 Crisis

Family Guide to Help Parents and Children During the COVID-19 Crisis