As we all cope with the impacts of COVID-19, everyone will respond differently and some will face new anxieties, fears and mental health impacts. Now more than ever before, it is important to come together and show that we are here for each other.
Each year millions of people face the reality of living with a mental illness. In fact, 47.6 million, or 1 in 5, U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2018.
At United Way of the Midlands, we understand the importance of evidence-based mental health services and trauma-informed practices, and we prioritize supporting programs that deliver these services to individuals facing poverty.
In our community, people living in poverty are nearly 5 times as likely to report they struggle with mental health than those who do not.
We work to break down the barriers to mental healthcare access, and we know it’s crucial that our community works together to fight stigma, share knowledge and support those with mental health challenges. Especially during this time of uncertainty, we want you to know that we’re here for you.
That’s why we are working with local health departments, The Wellbeing Partners, and others on a regional plan to improve mental health in the region. Click the button below to learn more, and continue scrolling to access mental health resources for you and your family.
The uncertainty about the future due to the outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for individuals. Fear and anxiety during this time can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in everyone. Take the time you need to care for yourself, friends and family. When we help others cope with their stress our community becomes stronger.
Here are some ways to cope with stress:
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Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories related to the pandemic
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Take care of yourself both internally and externally
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Carve out time in your schedule to unwind
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Talk with your loved ones via video chat, email or social media
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Keep up with a regular routine
Teachers
General
COVID-19
- Tips for Staying Mentally Strong During COVID-19
- Tools from Calm to help you take breaks
- Is Your Mindset Helping or Hurting You During this Pandemic?
- Parenting During Coronavirus: You Are Enough
- Talking about COVID-19 at Home+
Work
- HR Pro’s Guide to Achieving Work Life Balance
- Changes in the workplace that we can anticipate
- Transitioning employees back to the workplace
Family & Children
- Coming Together for Wellness
- The Wellness Partners Youth Wellness Facebook page
- Ways to Promote Children’s Resilience
Helplines and Crisis Support
- For mental health emergencies, call 911
24-Hour Behavioral Information & Referral Line
- 402.717.HOPE
Suicide Hotline
- 1.800.273.TALK
Nebraska Family Helpline – for those concerned about youth
- 1.888.866.8660
Safe Harbor
- 402.715.4226
Disaster Distress Helpline
- 800.985.5990
- Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Boys Town National Hotline
- 800.448.3000
- Email: hotline@boystown.org
Nebraska Rural Response Hotline
- 800.464.0258
Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Care Hotline
- 877.220.4195
- Available Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Heartland Family Service video-conferencing
- For services in Iowa, call 712.322.1407
- For services in Nebraska, call 402.552.7400
Methodist Emotional Support Line
- Call 402.815.8255 (TALK) to speak to a counselor
- Available daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska
- Call 855.659.2706
Behavioral Health Connection from Nebraska Medicine
- Call 402.836.9292
- Visit NebraskaMed.com/Connection
United Way of the Midlands’ 211 Helpline is here for you, 24/7
Not sure where to start? 211 can help you access the right mental health resources and connect you to assistance for food, housing, utilities and more. Just call 2-1-1 (for 402.444.6666) or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with one of our helpline specialists.
Our specialists can help you learn more about local programs and assistance in these areas:
- Utility Assistance
- Rent Assistance
- Food Pantries
- Shelter and Housing Services
- Clothing
- Abuse Prevention
- Behavioral Health Services
- Support Groups
- Senior Services
- Transportation
- Disaster Services
- Government Shutdown Support
- Legal Services
- Health Care Services
- Family Support
- Financial Assistance and Education
Local Organizations
- CHI Creighton Mental Health
- Kim Foundation
- Douglas County Community Mental Health Center
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Charles Drew Health Center
- Child Saving Institute, Inc.
- OneWorld Community Health Centers
- Jewish Family Services
State Organizations
- NAMI Nebraska
- Nebraska Coalition for Peer Delivered Services
- Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services Behavioral Health
National Organizations
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Mental Health America
Share Your Story
Help break mental health stigma by sharing your story with The Wellbeing Partners.
One in five people will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in their lives, but five out of five will go through a challenging time that affects their mental health. Please consider anonymously sharing your story to help others today.
About the Author
Okina is the Marketing Intern at United Way of the Midlands. She’s always ready to go when the marketing and communications team needs help with projects relating to graphic design, social media or writing. Outside of work, she loves to hang out with family and friends, go to the movies or play with her pup Barry.
United Way of the Midlands | 2201 Farnam Street | Omaha, NE 68102 | 402-342-8232
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