Mental Health & COVID-19

It's OK to not be OK.

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Find information, maps, and resources about the coronavirus response throughout Iowa.

The coronavirus outbreak may be causing you new or additional stress and anxiety. Here are some tools from us and our trusted partners to help you cope:

Your Life Iowa

If you need someone to talk or if you need help accessing mental health resources, Your Life Iowa is available 24/7 to talk over phone, text or live chat. 

• Call: (855) 581-8111
• Text: (855) 895-8398
• Chat: YourLifeIowa.org

6 Weeks of Make It OK Series

The Make It OK campaign in Iowa is hosting a six-week virtual mental health series, in tandem with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Capital Crossroads, titled "6 Weeks of Make It OK." View replays of the live panels here. Register for the series here.

Mental Health Monday

Each Monday in April, Make It OK and Please Pass The Love hosted a Facebook Live discussion on topics related to mental health and COVID-19. You can find replays and recaps of those discussions below:

• How to talk to teens and kids about traumatic events
• Why self-care is so important during COVID-19
• How to identify and cope with stress as a family
• How routines can help your family cope during COVID-19

Healthiest State Initiative & Make It OK

• Posters: Support your employees as they head back into the office with these printable COVID-19 coping tips posters (available in English and Spanish).
• Here are 5 tools you can use to help support your child's mental health during the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing.
• Check out our Work From Home Wellness page with tools and resources to help you Eat Well, Move More and Feel Better.
• Do you know someone struggling with their mental health? Try these tips to talk about mental illness or learn how to help someone in crisis.

COVID Recovery Iowa

COVID Recovery Iowa offers free virtual counseling and assistance for all Iowans affected by COVID‑19.

NAMI 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released a COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide. 

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a webpage with information on coping with fear, anxiety, and stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

211

211 is a resource you can use to find essential services during this time, including food or housing assistance. Dial 211 to speak to someone or visit 211.org.  211 is also answering all of the COVID-19 FAQs here.

Please Pass The Love

Please Pass The Love, a school-based mental health promotion organization, is hosting virtual meet-ups multiple times per week for elementary, middle school and high school students. They've also organized adult programs and have collected useful resources. Find it all here.

Mental Health America

To aid individuals and communities during this time, Mental Health America (MHA) has compiled a range of resources and information, including connection tools, financial assistance, webinars and more.

Iowa Department of Human Services

Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) has put together a fact sheet on "What You Need to Know About Coronavirus & Your Mental Health."

Polk County Health Services

If your organization is looking for communication tools, Polk County Health Services has created social media graphics for a variety of age groups including self-care tips and crisis line information. Find them all here.