COVID-19 has rapidly changed our world and how we live, work and play. If you’re feeling anxious, worried, or scared, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel worried about things like your job, health, family, and what’s going to happen next.
Taking action when you’re feeling emotionally and mentally stressed is important. You can get through these uncertain times and, if you need support, there are lots of helpful resources available.
Get support if you need it
If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and stressed, ask for support as soon as possible. If you need help you can:
- contact a close friend or family member and ask for support
- contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community who can help
- use an employee assistance program if your employer has one. These services usually offer counselling or can refer you to a mental health professional
- call your doctor or a mental health professional for advice and guidance. During COVID-19 the option of phone, video or online appointments should be available.
Here’s where you can get help
The following websites and help-lines offer support and advice on how to look after your mental wellbeing during COVID-19:
Useful websites
- Unite against COVID-19 website – support and advice
- Ministry of Health website – support and advice
- Mental Health Foundation of NZ – support and advice
- Depression website - support and advice
- Anxiety NZ Trust website – support and advice
- All Right? Website – support and advice
Wellbeing apps and online e-therapy programs
- Beating the Blues website – online depression treatment program
- Clearhead website – free mental wellbeing resources and app
- Just a Thought website – free wellbeing course
- Melon Health website – free health journal app
- Mentemia website – free mental wellbeing app
- My Journal website – free online depression treatment program
Help-lines
These help-lines offer free 24/7 mental health advice and support.
- 1737 website – support and advice Call or text 1737 any time
- Lifeline website – support and advice Call 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)
- Samaritans website – support and advice Call 0800 726 666
- Depression helpline – support and advice Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Youth websites, apps and help-lines
- Youthline website – support and advice Call 0800 376 633 or free text 234
- Sparx website – free mental health app and e-therapy tool
- The Lowdown website – support and advice 24/7 help-line. Call 0800 111 757
- 0800 What’s Up website – support and advice
***This article was originally published here:https://www.careers.govt.nz/articles/how-to-get-help-to-cope-with-covid-19/
Sources
- Foon, E, ‘Focus on Mental Health to Cope with COVID-19 Stressors’, 22 March 2020 (www.rnz.co.nz).
- HealthEd, ‘There is a Way Through: A Guide for People Experiencing Stress, Depression and Anxiety’, March 2019, (www.healthed.govt.nz).
- Hone, L, and Quinlan, D, ‘Real-time Resilience Strategies for Coping with Coronavirus’, accessed May 2020, (www.nziwr.co.nz).
- Mental Health Foundation of NZ, ‘Media Advisory: Looking after Mental Health and Wellbeing during Covid-19’, (media release) 19 March 2020, (www.mentalhealth.org.nz).
- World Health Organisation, ‘#Healthy at Home – Mental Health’, accessed May 2020, (www.who.int).