Mental Health Supports
| During this difficult and challenging time, you may be feeling, anxious, sad, overwhelmed, or angry at times. Below are some mental health supports available to you if you find yourself struggling with your emotions. For additional supports and services, please visit the Tompkins County Department of Health website.
Parents and Caregivers: If you are noticing your child has seemed more worried, sad, or irritable during this uncertain time, remember that this is to be expected. Below is a list of resources that help with understanding COVID-19 and dealing with anxiety around it. Please know that we are here to support you and your children during this challenging time. Our social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors are available to you. We encourage you to reach out and let us know how your family is doing, what you are going through, and how we can help provide the support you need. |
Mental Health Supports
211 Tompkins Cortland211 connects people who have questions about or are in need of any type of service, including employment, housing, health care, mental health, food, and childcare. Click here to search 211's extensive database of local and national organizations dedicated to getting you what you need. To contact 211, dial 2-1-1 (or 1-877-211-8667) on your phone. You can also contact 211 by texting, emailing, or chatting from your computer. Click here to learn more. |
CrisislineCalling for help when you are in emotional pain is smart. The Crisisline offers free, confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The trained and caring counselors are there to listen, support, and guide you. To access the Crisisline, call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Click here to learn more. |
Crisis Text LineCrisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. To reach a trained Crisis Counselor who is always ready to listen and can help you get to a calm, safe place during a difficult moment, text "Got5" to 741-741. View the video below to learn more. |
HeadspaceNew York State is partnering with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, to offer free meditation and mindfulness content for all New Yorkers as a mental health resource for residents coping with the unprecedented public health crisis. Visit headspace.com/ny to access a collection of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home mindful workouts, sleep, and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety. |
OMH Emotional Support HelplineThe New York State Office of Mental Health (OHM) Emotional Support Helpline provides free and confidential support for those experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Helpline is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. To access the Emotional Support Helpline, dial 1-844-863-9314. Click here to learn more. |
Warm LineThe Child Development Council's Warm Line is a free, confidential, and anonymous telephone guidance service for parents and child care providers. To access the Warm Line, dial 607-273-0259. The Council is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Click here to learn more. |
Resources for Caregivers
Addressing GriefSource: National Association of School Psychologists Eight facts and tips related to grief. |
Coping with StressSource: CDC "Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger." |
Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and EducatorsSource: National Association of School Psychologists "Caregivers must take good care of themselves so they are able to take good care of the children in their charge." |
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19Source: National Association of School Psychologists "It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events." |
How to Cope With Anxiety About Coronavirus (COVID-19)Source: Verywell Mind "Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are normal during a pandemic. Fortunately, being proactive about your mental health can help to keep both your mind and body stronger." |
Managing Anxiety Around COVID-19Source: The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (RULER) "Between the uncertainty, the real health risks, and the hype, fear and anxiety are feelings that are both valid and common. We wanted to provide you with a few ideas for managing those feelings." |
Resources for Parents During COVID-19Source: The New York State School Social Workers’ Association "Tips, activity ideas, and informational resources to help caregivers during this difficult and challenging time." |
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of UncertaintySource: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention "It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events...If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty." |
Talking to Kids About the CoronavirusSource: Child Mind Institute "Many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be. Here is some advice from the experts." View/download |
