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Mental Health Resources
These are challenging times. Please know that you are not alone.
Support Hotlines
- New Jersey Mental Health Cares: 866-202-4357
- NJ Hopeline (24/7 Peer Support and Suicide Prevention Hotline): 1-855-654-6735
- Crisis Text Line (available 24/7): Text “NJ” to 741741
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233
- Reach NJ Addictions Hotline: 844-732-2465
- Healthcare Workers Crisis Counseling Support Hotline: 1-833-416-8773
Mental Health America has prepared a list of various mental health resources related to coping with COVID-19.
Support Groups
- NJ 2-1-1 List of Bereavement Support Groups
- “Supporting Families of Loved Ones Hospitalized with COVID-19”, a telephonic and televideo support group offered by Atlantic Health: https://www.atlantichealth.org/conditions-treatments/coronavirus-covid-19/support-groups.html
- The RWJ’s Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s, “Hope and Healing Program” offers emotional support services, education, and community-based resources for individuals and families affected by COVID-19. Call 833-795-4673 or email hopeandhealing@rwjbh.org or visit https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/institute-for-prevention-and-recovery/
- The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris’ Crisis Counseling Program offers a “COVID-19” Support Group every Wednesday at 2PM. Please visit https://www.mhaessexmorris.org/event/covid-19-support-group-6-5-2-4/ for more information.
- Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center: This center offers information and resources that help families who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Services range from behavioral health, spiritual, to general health services. Visit https://www.redcross.org/virtual-family-assistance-center.html for more information.
- Jewish Family Services offers a bereavement support group for seniors who have lost a loved one because of COVID-19. It is being held virtually via Zoom, and the phone number to sign up is 973-765-9050. This group is open to everyone, regardless of their religion. https://www.jfsmetrowest.org
- COVID Connections Support Group is for people who have recovered from COVID-19 and continue to experience physical and emotional symptoms. Meetings are every Tuesday beginning March 30 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom. More information on this flyer (PDF).
- The Mental Health Association of NJ and the New Jersey Department of Health are offering a variety of free support groups and wellness workshops through an initiative called United by Wellness.
- Support Group Link
- How to Join
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) allows you to search for mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities near you https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.
- The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris has several support groups they are offering as well as information about how to receive one on one counseling https://www.mhaessexmorris.org/ccp-covid19/.
Stress Management Information
We all experience stress at some point, but sometimes the amount of stress can be overwhelming. Below are some tips that can help with managing stress.
- Exercise: Set aside time to exercise and find an exercise that you enjoy. Go for a walk/run, ride a bike, hike, do an online class or a workout video at home. It is recommended that adults get about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Make sure to consume a healthy diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, etc. Visit myplate.gov to make sure you are getting the right amount of servings from each food group and for more information.
- Find time to relax: Do something relaxing such as mediation, deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, or even take a nap.
- Manage your Time: Create a schedule and prioritize what you need to do each day.
- Do activities you enjoy: Spend some time doing an activity that you enjoy such as cooking, gardening, watching a movie, reading a book, listening to music, or drawing/painting. Try a new activity – you may discover something new that you enjoy doing.
- Laugh more: Laughter can help with reducing stress, consider watching a show that makes you laugh.
- Get enough sleep: Most adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep can help you focus and perform tasks better. If you are having trouble sleeping, visit the Sleep Foundation’s website at sleepfoundation.org for tips.
- Talk to others: Talk to friends/family members – when you can’t see them in person, you can communicate by phone or video chat.
For more information on stress related to COVID-19 visit CDC Stress and Coping.