Maintaining Mental Health During COVID-19
Updated 4/9/2020
Across the world, the United States and Montana, communities are experiencing increased stress, fear and uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It's important to understand how this situation can impact mental and physical health. The information and resources here will help you manage stress and anxiety and to seek care and support if you need it.
Common Reactions
- Anxiety, worry, panic
- Feelings of helplessness
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
- Anger
- Hyper-vigilance to your health and body
Managing & Coping
- Maintain routines as much as possible
- Practice healthy habits and the types of self-care that most benefit you
- Maintain social connections while social distancing
- Seek news from reliable sources and only in short stints (see sources below)
- Practice recommended hygiene habits to limit the spread of the virus
- Seek additional mental health support as needed
MUS Resources
- Montana State University - Bozeman: "Coping With Stress and Supporting Mental Health During the COVID-19 situation"
- Montana State University - Billings: "Managing Fear and Anxiety around the Coronavirus"
- Montana University System Employee Assistance Program (Offers mental health support, financial education and many other resources. Available to all MUS employees and their households)
Other Resources
Anxiety about COVID-19
- CDC Guide to Managing Stress & Anxiety
- Active Minds Tips to Stay Mentally Healthy While Working from Home
- Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Available 24/7)
Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Montana Crisis Text Line: Text MT to 741741 - Emotional Health and Resilience - Strategies for Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Fear with COVID-19
- Active Minds - Self-Care Strategies
Coping with Social Distancing
- Social Distancing and Mental Health Insights from the American Psychological Association
- The Atlantic - "The Art of Socializing During a Quarantine"
- Psychology Today – “Staying Happy While Social Distancing”
- Psychology Today - “Let’s Aim for Physical Distancing Rather Than Social Distancing”
Student Resources
- Math and English Tutoring Support
- Remote Learning Guidance
- Tips for Remote Learning
- MUS Student Services
Reliable Information Sources
- Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force
- Montana COVID-19 Information Line: 1-888-333-0461
- Email for Montana COVID-19 questions: covid19info@mt.gov
- US Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- World Health Organization
- Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS)
- US State Department Travel Advisories