COVID-19

For accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Tulare County, please visit:

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency
Facebook Page or COVID-19 website

Click Here to download our 10 Coping Skills for Better Emotional Health leaflet.

These are trying times for many of us. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful and impact our lives in numerous ways. It is natural for our bodies to jump into our fight, flight, or freeze response, which can lead to anger, anxiety, depression, and other reactions. Just as we are heightening our awareness of physical health and safety, we need to also be paying attention to our mental and behavioral health and safety.

As with any crisis, this pandemic can bring about a great deal of stress in our lives, such as:

Fear for our health and safety as well as that of our friends and loved ones
Worry about our finances and uncertainty of the future
Overeating or lack of appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Irritability or "walking on eggshells"
Worsening of preexisting mental health conditions

It can be helpful to keep in mind that we all respond differently in these times. There isn't necessarily a right or wrong reaction, but there are healthy and unhealthy ways to cope. It is essential that we engage in self-care activities during these times to keep our mental health in shape.

Some actions that can help us reduce stress include:

Taking a news break. This is setting aside time to not listen to the news, read articles, or browse social media.
Exercise. Stretch, take a walk, and engage in simple physical activities to increase your heart rate.
Meditate. Listen to relaxing music, white noise, and take focused breaths.
Connect. Call, text, or video conference with a friend or family member (and don't talk about COVID-19).

If you are experiencing instability or suicidal thoughts, please turn to the resources provided below:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741

2-1-1 Tulare County
Call 2-1-1

Community Warm Line
1-877-306-2413

Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

Resources for Emotional Support and Well-being: This link leads to a section of the CA.gov website specific to the California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response. This section contains resources such as suicide prevention and domestic violence hotlines, how to help others, and numerous other resources through the site's navigation options.

10 Coping Skills for Better Emotional Health: 10 simple skills that can go a long way during stressful times.

Alliance of Hope for suicide loss survivors: Since 2008, the Alliance of Hope has been working to decrease stigma, increase understanding of the suicide loss experience, and provide direct support to survivors. This is an online resource to connect with other survivors and fund mutual support.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention page: Healing Conversations: Healing Conversations – formerly known as the Survivor Outreach Program – gives those who have lost someone to suicide the opportunity to talk with experienced volunteers.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention page: Mental Health & COVID-19: This site contains information such as advice & guidance, social sharing, public messages, and additional supports.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention page: Voices of Hope: Voices of Hope is AFSP’s series of videos featuring those who have struggled with suicide: unscripted interviews with people speaking from their own personal experience.

CDC document: Coping After a Disaster: A Ready Wrigley activity and coloring book for children age 3-10.

CDC page: Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event: This page contains helpful information and resources to assist us in dealing with strong emotions during stressful times.

CDC page: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies: This site has great information for parents, guardians, and others who interact with children.

Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself: This website contains information that will be helpful for first responders seeking to deal with stress and anxiety.