Fears about the coronavirus pandemic and being socially isolated can significantly affect mental health. Whether you have a mental illness or are just feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, it’s important to do what you can to support yourself and get professional help when you need it. 

Here’s a list of resources for coping with the pandemic and getting assistance: 

General Advice

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, but taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope. Here are some general tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

• Be mindful of your news consumption. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. And limit your sources to one or two reliable sources, like the CDC.
• Take care of your body. Critical self-care activities are sleep, physical exercise and a healthy diet. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Find things to do. Do activities that you enjoy or that are distracting. Music, movies, gardening, art, journaling and cleaning are all great outlets.
• Connect with or help others. Talk with people you trust about your well-being. You can chat via phone or video. Finding a way to help others might make you feel better.

Mental Health Phone Lines

National Disaster Distress Helpline (English and Spanish): 1-800-985-5990 (Toll Free)

• Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746; español: “Hablanos” al 66746
• TTY (for hard of hearing): 1-800-846-8517

Sonoma County 24-Hour Crisis Stabilization Unit: (707) 576-8181

North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline of Sonoma County: 1-855-587-6373

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• For mental health resources, NAMI Hotline: (800) 950-6264 (Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST)
• NAMI Sonoma County Warmline (emotional support number): (866) 960-6264 (Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm PST)

Mental Health Association of San Francisco: (855) 845-7415, (California peer-run warmline, 24/7)

For general information or questions about the Coronavirus, call 2-1-1 or text COVID19 to 211-211.

Wellbeing, Emotional Support Calls for Seniors

Catholic Charities: I’m Home Alone Program: (707) 528-8712 

Petaluma People Services: You Are Not Alone, weekly check-in calls for those age 60 and older or with a compromised immune system. People countywide can call (707) 765-8488 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Rohnert Park Senior Center wellness checks for any senior. Contact Cindy Bagley at (707) 588-3452 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Counseling 

If you already see a therapist or counselor, many providers are maintaining their scheduled sessions via phone or virtually. If your therapist or counselor is not doing this yet, you can ask.

For families: Call the Child Parent Institute at (707) 284-1500 for intake.

For seniors: The Council on Aging is providing its mental health services remotely. Call (707) 525-0143.

Other Resources

Here are a few other resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mental Health America to help you find support:

For Everyone

• Coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak

• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health during an Infectious Disease Outbreak

• Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness

• Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety

• Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak

• COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders

Tools to Connect with Others

• Social Support: Getting And Staying Connected

• MHA’s Inspire Community

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)'s Online Support Groups

• Lyf App

• Wamlines

For Families and Children

• Helping Children Cope with Emergencies

• Coping After a Disaster

• Talking to Kids about COVID-19

• How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids

For First Responders

• Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself

• Disaster Technical Assistance Center