Anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 can affect everyone, but especially people at higher risk, those with pre-existing mental health conditions, those with substance abuse issues, health care providers and first responders, children and teens.

The CDC states that stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems, and increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. They suggest you seek help if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

Anyone needing help coping with depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental health issues can call the St. Joe’s Chelsea behavioral health navigators, who are waiting for your call. They are there to listen and help you find help, for free. Call Abigail Norris, LPC at 734-395-8975 or Kathy Walz, LMSW, CPC at 734-680-5312.

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health’s 24/7 mobile CARES team is fully operational and available to respond to the community and speak with anyone over the phone who is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. They are currently completing all screenings and intakes for services over the phone or through telemedicine. They are prioritizing urgent and emergent needs at this time for intakes, but can also schedule appointments to take place in person when services are fully operational again. Call Washtenaw County Community Mental Health at 734-544-3050.

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, please call 911 immediately.