Self-Care and Coping with COVID-19

L.A. Care thanks you for everything you are doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It's a stressful time that has demanded so much out of each and every one of us.

We've collected a number of resources to help you care for yourself and your loved ones. And remember, it's okay to ask for professional help if you are feeling down, stressed or overwhelmed. 

Mental Health Support and Services

 

The COVID-19 crisis puts L.A. Care members and their families under increased stress. Some members will feel worry, sadness and loneliness.

Now more than ever, it is important to take care of your mind and spirit as well as your body. These resources may be helpful to L.A. Care members:

  • Treatment of mental health and substance abuse conditions is coordinated by our partner Beacon Health Strategies. They offer the use of telehealth to meet treatment needs during the coronavirus outbreak. Call 1-877-344-2858 to get connected.
     
  • California offers a free crisis counseling warmline called CalHOPE (1.833.317.HOPE). You can call to talk with people like yourself and get emotional support and coping tricks. They can also connect you with additional resources.
     
  • The nationwide Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 support right on your phone. Text HOME to 741741 to reach out about COVID-19.
     
  • California's Futures Without Violence offers support to people who feel at risk for violence or mistreatment while they shelter in place. Visit the Futures Without Violence website for a list of confidential and free phone and chat hotlines.

 

Community Resource Center Virtual Classes

 

The L.A. Care/Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Centers have launched a series of on-demand virtual classes for anyone who wants to stay active, healthy and informed.

  • Fitness and Exercise Classes, such as Yoga and Zumba
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking Classes
  • Classes for Kids and Families

The on-demand classes are free and available for anyone. Check out the Community Resource Center YouTube library!

Go to the Community Resource Center free on-demand classes

 

Learn to Meditate — Free Headspace Subscription

 

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) has teamed up with Headspace to offer Los Angeles County residents access to their popular app that teaches you how to meditate. 

Meditation has been shown to help people stress less, focus more and sleep better. Headspace is meditation made simple, teaching you life-changing mindfulness skills in just a few minutes a day.

L.A. County residents can sign up now for a free Headspace Plus subscription. Access hundreds of science-based, guided meditations in English and Spanish, designed to help you care for your mind — all free through 2020.

The subscription also gives you mindful workouts and sleep exercises to help address rising stress and anxiety. The offer is available to Los Angeles residents who don't currently have a Headspace Plus subscription. Visit the LACDMH and Headspace partnership website to learn more.

 

Surgeon General's Playbooks for Stress Relief

 

A top expert on trauma, California's Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris offers advice for individuals and for those caring for children to get through this time.

The California Surgeon General's playbooks on stress relief share things you can do every day, at home, to help support your mental and physical health.

Kids may show stress in different ways than you are used to. They are also more vulnerable to the harmful effects of stress.

The playbooks talk about how to keep an eye out for stress in kids, and tools you can use to try to reduce it.

⇒  View the California Surgeon General's Playbook: Stress Relief during COVID-19