Taking Care of Our Community’s Mental Health During COVID-19

For Immediate Release: Saturday, April 4, 2020

            The COVID-19 pandemic may be causing stress and anxiety for county residents of all ages. Schools are closed, there is a Stay-at-Home Order across Maryland and daily lives are disrupted in many ways. County health officials, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff and our state health partners are working around the clock to fight COVID-19 and slow down the number of cases. The virus can affect everyone in emotional and physical ways.

            The current COVID-19 situation can exacerbate domestic violence and human trafficking and add additional layers of challenges for those with existing mental health concerns. The County’s 24-hour Crisis Center provides telephone help for anyone in crisis. The Crisis Center number is 240-777-4000.   

            Mental health professionals from the County’s Department of Health and Human Services have the following guidance:

• It is natural and okay to feel anxious and overwhelmed; times are uncertain and difficult right now
• Work individually and together to find creative ways to keep anxiety in check
• It is important to find time to take care of ourselves and our mental health, so we can ultimately look out for each other
• Focusing on news headlines can worsen anxiety
• Stick to the facts about COVID-19 and what is being done to combat it
• Turn off the television and limit social media consumption
• When possible, connect with friends and loved ones through video chats and other online platforms; share your tips for relaxation
• Get outside to exercise but remember to keep your distance from others
• Take deep breaths
• Eat right and get enough sleep
• Help others in your community

Additional mental health resources are on the COVID-19 website. 

      For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCountyMD.

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Media Contact:  Mary Anderson, mary.anderson@montgomerycountymd.gov

                             

Release ID: 20-171
Media Contact: Julie Parker, julie.parker@montgomerycountymd.gov 240-777-6507