How to get help to cope with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed our world and the way we live, work and play. If you’re feeling anxious or scared, you’re not alone. In this unusual situation, it's normal to feel worried about your health, job, family and loved ones, and what’s going to happen next.

It’s important to take action when you’re feeling emotionally and mentally stressed. If you need support, there are lots of helpful resources available.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, ask for support as soon as possible. If you need help you can:

• talk to a close friend or family/whānau member
• contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community
• use an employee support programme if available – these services usually offer counselling or can refer you to a mental health professional
• contact your doctor or a mental health professional for advice and guidance – phone, video and online appointments are usually possible.

The following websites, apps, programmes and helplines offer support and advice on how to look after your mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Unite against COVID-19 website
• Ministry of Health website
• Mental Health Foundation of NZ
• Depression website
• Anxiety NZ Trust website
• All Right? website

• Beating the Blues website – online depression treatment programme
• Clearhead website – mental wellbeing resources and app
• Just a Thought website –wellbeing course
• Melon Health website – health journal app
• Mentemia website –mental wellbeing app
• My Journal website –online depression treatment programme

These helplines offer free 24/7 mental health support and advice.

• 1737 website – call or text 1737
• Lifeline website – call 0800 543 354 or text 4357
• Samaritans website – call 0800 726 666
• Depression helpline – call 0800 111 757 or text 4202

• Youthline website – call 0800 376 633 or free text 234
• Sparx website – free mental health app and e-therapy tool
• The Lowdown website – 24/7 helpline call 0800 111 757
• 0800 What’s Up website – support and advice

• Sign up to our e-newsletter for job hunting tips delivered straight to your inbox

Sources

• Foon, E, ‘Focus on Mental Health to Cope with COVID-19 Stressors’, 22 March 2020 (www.rnz.co.nz). 
• HealthEd, ‘There is a Way Through: A Guide for People Experiencing Stress, Depression and Anxiety’, March 2019, (www.healthed.govt.nz).
• Hone, L, and Quinlan, D, ‘Real-time Resilience Strategies for Coping with Coronavirus’, accessed May 2020, (www.nziwr.co.nz).
• Mental Health Foundation of NZ, ‘Media Advisory: Looking after Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19’, (media release) 19 March 2020, (www.mentalhealth.org.nz).
• World Health Organisation, ‘#Healthy at Home – Mental Health’, accessed May 2020, (www.who.int).