As the number of COVID-19 cases increases daily across the United States and the world, so do levels of anxiety, stress, and feelings of social isolation. It’s important to protect the health and safety of everyone, and the only way to do that is to prevent and slow the spread of the disease through social distancing and other quarantine measures.

Yet while we protect our physical health during this pandemic, we can’t forget to address our mental health.

And social distancing does not mean isolation. We still need to check-in with others and connect through more than just email, text, and social media. Call or video chat with your friends and family to make sure they are okay.

One in five adults in the U.S. who experiences a mental health condition face heightened risks of social isolation, which can lead to further anxiety and depression triggers.

To aid all people and communities during this challenging crisis, Mental Health Minnesota has compiled a range of local and national resources and information.

If you have questions about COVID-19, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m. every day of the week.

Minnesota mental health phone, text lines, and resources

• Minnesota Warmline: 877-404- 3190 or text “Support” to 85511 to receive help through peer support to address loneliness, isolation, increased feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as help people living with mental health conditions with recovery and wellness before a crisis occurs
• Mental Health Helpline: online chat and phone service providing connections to care referrals across Minnesota
• Free Mental Health Support
• Minnesota Crisis Text Line: text “MN” to 741741
• Minnesota community resources and supports
• Minnesota crisis response teams
• Mental Health Minnesota Presentation – Resilience: Learning How to Manage Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak/Social Distancing – Tools, Resources, and Tips

National mental health phone and text lines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Mental Health America’s mental health information for disease outbreaks

General mental health wellness tips

• Mental Health Month 2020 Resources
  • COVID-19 and Your Mental Health Infographic
  • Connecting with Others
  • Supporting Others
  • Creating Health Routines
  • Eliminating Toxic Influences
  • Finding the Positive After Loss
  • Owning Your Feelings
• Mental Health America Webinars – Increasing Resiliency Amid COVID-19, Peer Support for Ourselves & Others,  Wellness Routines in Uncertain Times, and more
• Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness
  This webpage provides information and wellness tips for individuals living with mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19
• Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
• COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
• Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreak Response
  These fact sheets provide information and recommendations for healthcare personnel, families, leaders, and businesses to address the psychological and behavioral health impacts of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
• Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
  These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Frequently Asked Questions on Mental Health, Mental Illness, and COVID-19
  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created a document to help guide individuals that have specific questions about their mental health situations.
• Huffington Post: Got Major Anxiety Right Now? Here Are Six Cheap Mental Health Resources

Tools for mental health support

• Screening Tools
• Mental Health Apps
• Common Mental Health Diagnoses
• Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
• Staying Grounded
• Meditations and Calming Exercises

Tools to stay connected to others

• Social Support: Getting And Staying Connected
• MHA’s Inspire Community
  An online community where people can connect with others. MHA hosts a dedicated mental health community, but there are communities related to a variety of topics. 
• Lyf App
  Lyf is a social media app where users share highly personal aspects of themselves without the fear of judgment. It’s the one app where you can be yourself or write anonymously and people won’t degrade or bring you down.