Organizations offer resources on dealing with stress of coronavirus

Published 12:06 pm Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Several organizations are providing information via telephone hotlines or websites to help people cope with the stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Salvation Army’s Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline is 844-458-4673 (HOPE). It is being manned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

Emotional and spiritual care specialists will listen to callers’ concerns and pray with them, the announcement said.

“Our goal is to give people an opportunity to connect with someone who will hear their story and concerns,” said Capt. Bobby Parker of the Salvation Army in Tyler. “We hope to offer a calming presence in the midst of circumstances none of us has ever experienced before.

“The Salvation Army wants people to know they are not alone and that even though we might not be able to meet them face to face, we care, want to listen and are as close as a phone call,” he continued.

According to the news release, callers have included a mother having to home school her children for the first time, people facing the potential loss of their home and a young man who had lost his job.

Callers are referred to additional resources if needed. The Salvation Army also helps people pay for food and rent and utilities.

“The Salvation Army is here to help during this time of heightened need,” Parker said. “We understand physical needs are just one aspect of this. We also want people to know we are here – trained and ready – to pray with and encourage them throughout this crisis.”

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is also manning a behavioral health support hotline at 903-877-5159 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

The hotline is available in English and Spanish.

The University of Texas Health Science Center lists the following resources for people who need help.

Disaster Distress Hotline — English speakers can call 1-800-846-8517 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. Spanish speakers can call 1-800-985-5990 and press “2.” Also: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.

United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund — This was established to help United Ways provide economic help in wake of COVID-19. Call 211 or 877-541-7905.

Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Strategies on social distancing, being in isolation and coping. www.uthct.edu/d/COVID-19/20200324_Behavioral_Health_SAMHSA.pdf

Manage Anxiety and Stress — CDC information on coping with stress associated with COIVD-19. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Five Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus — Tips on how to manage anxiety, put news reports in perspective and maintain a positive outlook. www.apa.org/helpcenter/pandemics

Keeping Your Distance to Stay Safe — Advice from American Psychological Association on getting social support while separating yourself. www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/social-distancing

National Suicide Prevention Hotline — Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741 to get connected.

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease — Information from National Childhood Traumatic Stress Network.

• English: www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf;
• Spanish: www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/parent_caregiver_guide_to_helping_families_cope_with_the_coronavirus_disease_2019-sp.pdf

Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus —

• www.childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
• www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
• www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource

Coping after a Disaster — CDC workbook helps children understand and cope with anxiety caused by a disaster. www.cdc.gov/cpr/readywrigley/documents/RW_Coping_After_a_Disaster_508.pdf

Helping Homebound Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak — www.uthct.edu/d/COVID-19/20200324_CSTS_FS_Helping_Homebound_Children_during_COVID19_Outbreak.pdf