Mental Health during COVID-19

Updated 4/18/22

COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone. Take time to take care of your mental health in addition to your physical health. We’re in this together.

  • Reach out for support
    • Connect with the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health CARES team at 734-544-3050 for support and resources about ANY mental health question. The CARES line is fully staffed, free, confidential and available 24/7.
    • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
    • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Stay Well counselors can provide free, confidential support 24/7 if you are experience emotional stress due to the pandemic. Dial 1-888-535-6136 and press "8"
    • Even if you can’t be together physically, let trusted people in your life know about your worries, fears, frustrations, AND plans for self-care.
  • Stay connected to your loved ones and community as we engage in social distancing to keep each other safe.
    • Call or video-chat family or friends. Science shows that hearing a loved one’s voice comforts the brain.
    • Join virtual gatherings, like community meetings or free fitness classes and concerts.
    • Notice if you’re not reaching out because of low mood rather than social distancing reasons.
    • Check in with someone you trust for a few minutes every day.
  • Routines help us feel more grounded when things feel out of our control.
    • Staying active with things that feel productive and fun can help us manage the extra stress and anxiety.
    • Make a schedule for how you’ll structure today to balance work with time for self-care, relaxation, and (safe/virtual) social connection.
  • Limit information overload.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness or other methods of meditation.
    • It’s easy for our worries to get ahead of the current moment. As we face uncertainty it’s important to stay grounded in the present.
    • Michiganders can access a specially-curated collection of guided meditations, at-home workouts that guide people through mindful exercises, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety. Available for free at www.headspace.com/MI
    • There are also many other meditation and mindfulness apps and online resources. We are not endorsing any products, but here is a list of some free apps: 
      • Insight Timer - mindfulness to reduce stress, anxiety, improve sleep and relaxation through guided meditations, talks, and music
      • Aura - improve sleep and reduce stress, anxiety through meditations, stories, music, and more
      • Breethe, Meditation & Sleep - Destress, sleep better, be healthier with meditations and music
      • Smiling Mind - guided meditations and mindfulness exercises for kids and adults
      • Stop, Breathe & Think - stay tuned in with your emotions and destress through mindfulness and compassion exercises
      • The Mindfulness App - relax, calm, focus, sleep
      • Clear Fear - helps youth manage anxiety symptoms
      • Combined Minds - helps families and friends provide mental health support
      • What’s Up – help to cope with depression, anxiety, stress, and more
      • Mind Shift - designed for young adults struggling with anxiety
      • Happify - mood training program
      • MoodTools - supporting people with depression

Additional Resources