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
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:
- Call 1-800-985-5990
- Text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit Disaster Distress Helpline
- For deaf/hard of hearing, call 1-800-985-5990 / TTY 1-800-846-8517
- For Spanish speakers
- Call 1-800-985-5990 and press 2
- From the 50 states, text Hablanos to 66746
- From Puerto Rico, text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663
- Visit Línea de Ayuda para los Afectados por Catástrofes
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:
- Call 1-800-273-8255
- For veterans, press 1
- Chat with Lifeline
- Visit Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- For deaf/hard of hearing, call 1-800-799-4889
- For Spanish speakers
- Call 1-888-628-9454
- Visit Ayuda en Español: Lifeline
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:
- Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
- Text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Live chat service
- Visit National Domestic Violence Hotline
- For deaf/hard of hearing:
- Call TTY 1-800-787-3224
- Call by video phone 1-855-812-1001
- Chat Instant Messenger DeafHotline
- Email [email protected]
- For Spanish speakers:
- Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
- Chat en Español (Disponible todos los días de 12 – 6 p.m. Hora Central)
- Visit Línea Telefónica de Ayuda contra la Violencia Doméstica
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:
- Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Text 838255
- Chat online
- Visit Veterans Crisis Line
- For deaf/hard of hearing, call 1-800-799-4889
Tips and Advice for Coping during Coronavirus

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.
- Stress and Coping (English | Español)
- Feeling Stressed? (English | Español)
- 5 Things You Should Know About Stress (English | Español)
- American Sign Language Video: Coping with Stress
- Fact Sheet: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation

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.
- Coping with Grief (English | Español)
- Mourning the Death of A Spouse
- Loss of a Loved One during the COVID-19 Pandemic (English | Español)

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.
- Talking to Children (English | Español)
- Fact Sheet: Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers
- American Sign Language Video: COVID-19 Answering Children's Questions

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.
- Stay Connected to Combat Loneliness and Social Isolation
- Older Adults and Depression (English | Español)
- Depression and Older Adults

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.
- National Center for PTSD COVID-19 Resources for Managing Stress (English | Español)
- Manage Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19
- President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) – More Than Ever Before