If you’re experiencing anxiety, stress, panic, fear, grief or depression due to the coronavirus outbreak and the new restrictions on daily life that aim to prevent it from spreading, there are places you can turn to for help.
The Hawaii Department of Health has expanded its Crisis Line to support those experiencing stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Call 1-800-753-6879 or text the word “ALOHA” to 741741 for support.
The Crisis Line of Hawaii provides a team of trained and experienced professionals to help individuals in times of a mental health crisis. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers this list of things you can do to support yourself during this challenging time:
- 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.
