Free Mental Health Resources During Covid-19 For Freelancers

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does the associated anxiety.

For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.

For the past several weeks, MHA has been using its unique database to monitor daily this increase in anxiety. According to our screening data, we experienced a 19 percent increase in screening for clinical anxiety in the first weeks of February, and a 12 percent increase in the first two weeks of March.

This suggests that our screeners are not just “worried well.” Instead they represent thousands of people whose lives and sense of well-being are being severely impacted by concerns about the virus.

As things unfold in the coming days and weeks, MHA will continue to monitor anxiety.

To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.

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.

Medication Access During COVID-19
Changes and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 can make it difficult to know what to do to make sure you have access to needed medications. Here are some tips and pieces of information to help you prepare and care for yourself or your loved ones

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.

Coronavirus Anxiety—Helpful Expert Tips and Resources
This page from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides COVID-19 resources, including videos, tips, and blogs on managing anxiety and coping.

COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
This webpage from the National Institute on Drug Abuse provides guidance on special considerations for the health and basic needs of individuals with Substance Use Disorders during Coronavirus.

COVID-19: Accessing Critical Medications for Your Loved One
This webpage from the Partnership for Drug-free Kids provides guidance for those considering or using pharmacotherapy, also known as medication-assisted treatment, to treat their opioid use disorder who might be wondering how COVID-19 will impact their ability to get these critical medications.

COVID-19: Mental health in the age of coronavirus
An article from the United Nations with guidance on promoting mental health among different populations including caretakers, health care workers, leaders, people with children, older adults, and pregnant, breastfeeding women.

COVID-related Mental Health and Recovery Resources
A Guide from Tempest on companies and organizations that offer online support for individuals, including those with eating disorders and alcohol or substance use concerns.

Dermatillomania During COVID-19
Risk of COVID-19 may be anxiety inducing and you may be experiencing a harder time managing your Dermatillomania as a result. The CDC’s encouragement to “not touch your face” can be particularly hard and even triggering if you struggle with Skin Picking Disorder. Here are some ways to cope from the Picking Me Foundation.

Free and Low Cost Support for Individuals Living With Eating Disorders
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) compiled free and low cost support options offer ways to connect with others and provide tools to promote recovery.

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.

Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19
This page from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides tips for coping with stress and anxiety, including information focused on parents, first responders, and people who have been released from quarantine.

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 COVID-19 outbreak.

Mental health and wellness during a public health crisis
Dr. LaGenia Bailey, former DBSA board member, discusses tips on how to stay well during this public health crisis. In this podcast, she addresses benefits of mindfulness practice, lifestyle habits, and ways to stay connected with others to avoid isolation.

Protecting Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A message from Brandon Staglin, President of One Mind, on prioritizing wellbeing during COVID-19.

Resources for the OCD and related disorders community during the COVID-19 outbreak
This page from the International OCD Foundation provides information about COVID-19 for individuals with OCD and related disorders.

People with Disabilities, Medical Conditions & Older Adults
The Southeast ADA Center compiled resources specific for individuals with disabilities. 

Shrink Speak: COVID-19 Crisis
In this special three-part COVID-19 Crisis series, Dr. Lieberman of Columbia University speaks with renowned experts who have expertise in relevant disciplines that pertain to this COVID-19 pandemic.

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
This document from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information on the basics of staying safe and taking care of your mental health during infectious disease outbreaks.

When Home Becomes The Workplace: Mental Health And Remote Work
A Forbes article by Garen Staglin, Co-founder and Chairman of One Mind at Work, on how to avoid the common negative mental health effects of working from home.