Resource List for Nurses Struggling Amid COVID-19

Posted 05/22/2020

The residual effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of nurses will not be gone as the pandemic dies down. Many will have to manage the ongoing psychological effects of working as health care workers, and as “soldiers” in our battle against the coronavirus.

There are resources for those who might be struggling with mental health issues and those who are concerned with their loved ones fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide or hurting another person:

Call 911 or the local emergency number.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Remove any weapons, medications or other potentially harmful objects.
Listen to the person without judgment.

Resources

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255 and the online chat can be found at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

The SAMHSA National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-4357. This free disaster distress helpline is available and serves as a treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Mental Health America is a free, online mental health discussion community. Discussion topics include mental health concerns, support for family and friends, and coping with mental health stigma.

To reach the Crisis Text Line, text “HELLO” to 741741. Available 24/7, this hotline is for anyone in any type of crisis and will connect you with a crisis counselor who will provide support and information.

Mental Health Apps

X2 is a mental health app that helps reduce anxiety and depression with online chat.

CBT Thought Record Diary is an app to record negative and distorted thinking patterns, identify negative thinking and reevaluate your thoughts.

Breathe2Relax is an app that helps remind us to breathe and that we are OK. It teaches stress management through diaphragmatic breathing and lowers “flight or flight” response. It is a helpful option for managing PTSD.

Headspace is an app with hundreds of meditations for stress, anxiety, sleep and focus. It helps to teach mindfulness in a few minutes every day.

Calm is a mental health app with guided meditations, breathing programs and relaxing music.

Ten Percent Happier is a mental health app that claims to make you 10% happier with guided meditations for anxiety, stress, parenting, sleep and inspiration.

Woebot is a depression and anxiety reduction program built by Stanford psychologists with cognitive behavioral therapy tools they used with patients in clinic.

Or you can discover an app that is right for you with PsyberGuide, a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people choose effective and accessible mobile health technologies to meet their individual needs.