Mental Health and Coping during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Free and Confidential Support Resources • Tips and Advice for Coping

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations such as an infectious disease outbreak. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

This page lists resources and tools to help you or someone you know deal with stress, cope with grief, speak to children about COVID-19, and support older adults or veterans stay healthy during the pandemic. Many of these resources are available in multiple languages.

Are You Feeling a Mix of Emotions during Coronavirus?

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:
  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Worsening of mental health conditions
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

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Talk to Someone Now: Free and Confidential Support Resources

There are resources available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you need someone to talk to during this difficult time.

Disaster Distress Helpline

Provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

To connect with a trained crisis counselor:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Provides help to people who are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support.

To talk to someone now:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Offers compassionate support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services for anyone who is experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.

To talk to a trained advocate:

SAMHSA's National Helpline

Provides referrals for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

To speak to a trained information specialist:

  • Call 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
  • For deaf/hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-487-4889
  • Visit National Helpline
  • For Spanish speakers, call 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) and press 2

Veterans Crisis Line

Connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders.

To receive confidential crisis intervention and support:

Tips and Advice for Coping during Coronavirus

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man on yoga mat with headphones in meditating

Coping with Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social distancing, quarantine, and isolation can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Finding ways to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

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Sad mature woman sitting alone at home alone

Grieving during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

People grieve and accept loss in different ways. Remember that mourning takes time and can present itself in many different emotions.

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father speaking with young son on couch at home

Talking to Children about Coronavirus

Parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear.

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senior woman using laptop and drinking a glass of water

Helping Older Adults Stay Healthy at Home

Many older adults are feeling isolated in their homes, which can affect their health and well-being. Stay connected from your home by video chatting and calling friends and family.

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father with young child enjoying breakfast

Supporting Veterans through the COVID-19 Pandemic

Service members, veterans, and their family members may experience stress differently. There are practical steps you can take to manage anxiety and improve your wellbeing.

Content created by Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA)
Content last reviewed