Dealing with the effects of COVID-19 can be stressful. You may be experiencing
things you’ve never before felt. Recent research has found that
one in five people who test positive for COVID-19 will experience symptoms
of anxiety, depression, insomnia or other distressing symptoms within
three months of becoming ill.
Know the Signs
Anxiety
Feelings of apprehension or dread
Feeling tense or jumpy
Restlessness or irritability
Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger
Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
Sweating, tremors and twitches
Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia
Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea
Depression
Sad or apathetic mood
Changes in sleep
Changes in appetite
Lack of concentration
Loss of energy
Lack of interest in activities
Hopelessness or guilty thoughts
Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)
Physical aches and pains
Suicidal thoughts
Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep at night
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early
Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
Irritability, depression, or anxiety
Difficulty in paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering
Increased errors or accidents
Ongoing worries about sleep
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mental health conditions are very
treatable today. They can affect anyone, including children and adolescents.
Most conditions can be treated effectively with medication, therapy, diet,
exercise, and support. Recovery is possible.
Tips to Manage Mental and Emotional Health Conditions
Exercise
Keep a routine schedule
Eat healthy food
Limit news consumption
Connect with family and friends
Be mindful of alcohol consumption or using other substances
Schedule some fun or relaxing activities
For more ideas on how to support yourself and others during this time,
please review the following videos:
Coping With Uncertainty During COVID-19
Helping Seniors During This Time
How to Best Support and Comfort Children
When Should I Get Help?
When these signs and symptoms last for several days in a row, make you
miserable, or cause problems in your daily life so that you find it hard
to carry out normal responsibilities, it's time to ask for help. If you
recognize that your child may be struggling, it is important to encourage
open conversations about what they are experiencing, provide empathy and
support, and connect them to professional care.
Where Do I Turn?
Hoping mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia
will go away on their own can lead to worsening symptoms. If you have
concerns or if you experience worsening of mental health symptoms, ask
for help when you need it, and be upfront about how you're doing. To get
help, consider these resources.
Call your primary care provider to ask about appointment options to talk
about your anxiety, insomnia, or depression and get advice and guidance.
Contact your employee assistance program, if your employer has one, and
get counseling or ask for a referral to a mental health professional.
For help in navigating the mental health system, for support and resources,
please contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota
1-888-NAMI-Helps (888-626-4435) or Minnesota Association for Children’s
Mental Health 1-800-528-4511.
Support Hotlines
Minnesota Peer Support Connection Warmline - Certified Peer Specialists
to listen, provide support, and referrals. Call or text 1-844-739-6369
7 nights a week from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Crisis Text “MN” to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
24/7 County Crisis Hotlines
Stearns, Benton, Wright and Sherburne counties: 800-635-8008
Todd, Morrison, and Crow Wing counties: 800-462-5525
Redwood, Lyon, and Yellow Medicine counties: 800-658-2429
Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, Chippewa and Swift counties: 800-432-8781
Isanti and Mille Lacs counties: 800-532-3333
Douglas and Pope counties: 701-364-0431.
Useful Apps
Insight Timer
CBT-i Coach
Virtual Hope Box
Booster Buddy – Designed for teens and young adults but great for everyone
