Mental Health Resources and Support Groups

The outbreak of Covid-19 has been universally stressful — and the word “pandemic” itself creates anxiety.

The longer-term nature of the outbreak has meant significant changes to long-held routines and behaviors.

It’s important to take care of yourself and find ways to reduce your stress level and support your mental health — and to help your family do the same. These resources may help:

How Are You Feeling? We are often asked this, and we say “fine.” But this has been a difficult time, and emotions can be complex. You may be feeling sad, worried, or stressed.
Mental Health and Covid-19 (Mental Health America) – Information and resources for different needs and groups.
Covid-19 and Your Mental Health (Mayo Clinic) – Self-care strategies and suggestions for getting help when you need it.
Family Mental Health and Well being (NJ American Academy of Pediatrics) – Resources for parents and children, including parenting, education, and basic needs.
2-1-1 New Jersey Mental Health Resources – Available resources and information.
How to Handle Coronavirus (Crisis Text Line) – Advice and tips for students, parents, healthcare workers, those experiencing financial stress, and anyone struggling with isolation.
Mental Health Resources from the NJ Department of Health Variety of mental health resources and information for youth, parents, employers, etc. from the NJ Department of Health.

Essex County also offers a resource page for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and Other Resources.

Resources for Living with Mental Illness

Those living with existing mental illness may find their conditions worsening during this time. These guides provide advice and information on where to reach out for help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 9-1-1, text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line, or call/text one of the lines listed here.

Resources for Children and Families

These free, downloadable resources can help parents communicate with kids about Covid-19.

Covid-19 for Kids: Conversation Tips About Covid-19 for Each Grade Level (PDF) – presented by the National Association of School Psychologists
Stayin’ Alive: Spread the Word, Not the Virus (PDF) – Summary of illness prevention & presentation and prep checklist
We’re Going to Be OK (PDF) -- Children’s book with tips & advice by Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton & Dr. Leigh-Ann Webb, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin Webb
Health Emergencies: Sesame Street- Various resources and information for children and parents related to Covid-19. Activities for children as well.

Resources for Older Adults

Click here to find information about cognitive health, friendship & mental health, and elder abuse.

Coping with Covid-19 Support Groups

MHA of Essex and Morris is offering a variety of free virtual support groups for adults, children, and teens to assist with the coping with the pandemic. Individual counseling services and other mental health resources are available as well.

Covid-19 Peer Support Group this support group is offered by Atlantic Health. The support group is geared toward anyone who had covid-19 and still experiencing long term symptoms/a longer recovery.

United By Wellness through the Mental Health Association of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Health is offering a variety of free support groups and wellness workshops. To register for any of the groups click here

Care Plus NJ is offering free support services for families of a loved one who is struggling with addiction. For more information please see the flyer: Care Plus NJ Flyer (PDF)

Find Treatment Near You

SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services) allows you to search for mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment facilities near you.

Rutgers: Covid Connect Rutgers Mental Health and Addiction Covid Connect provides assistance in finding treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse near you.

Life Coaching: Cindy Mazejy of Self Freedom Life coaching offers coaching services to help individuals:

Set attainable goals
Take manageable action steps
Develop skills to face challenges and new beginnings

Cindy is a certified professional life coach with a Master’s degree in Counseling and FIA and Robbins-Madanes Training coaching certifications. For more information and to contact Cindy, visit her website at https://www.cindymazejy.com/

Bereavement Support Groups

If you have experienced the death of a loved one during this time, there is support available.

NJ 2-1-1 General Bereavement Support Groups
Atlantic Health System – Coronavirus Grief and Loss Support Group: Wednesdays, 12 pm – 1 pm, starting April 22, 2020. Meetings are virtual, via Zoom. To register call 862-260-3199 and press option 3. You will need to provide an email address to receive an invitation for the Zoom meeting.
Jewish Family Service is offering a bereavement support group for seniors who have lost a loved one because of Covid-19. It is being held virtually via Zoom, and the phone number to sign up is 973-765-9050. This group is open to everyone, regardless of their religion.

Visit our Mental Health page for more information and resources for crisis situations, children, veterans, and stress.