Coping with Stress and Anxiety/COVID-19 Resources
For parents
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include
· Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
· Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
· Excessive worry or sadness
· Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
· Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
· Poor school performance or avoiding school
· Difficulty with attention and concentration
· Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
· Unexplained headaches or body pain
· Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child
· Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
· Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
· Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
· Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
· Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreak
NASP- Talking to Children about COVID-19
A Parent's Resource Guide to Social and Emotional Learning
Helping Children Cope - from the CDC
Psychology Today- Talking to children about the Coronavirus
New York Times - Keeping families well
Essential Needs/Services
NJ Residents can apply through the Diabetes Foundation for a two week emergency insulin kit.
They have changed the way they are distributing food. They are now offering drive-by service at both of their pantries. They continue to deliver food to their Mobile Network partners with proper precautions.
Guiding you in the Right Direction During COVID-19 (Resource Guide)
JBWS- Jersey Battered Women's Service. Their helpline is still available 24/7 at 1-877-R-U-ABUSED. The statewide hotline is also available at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), and can help direct survivors to the resources closest to them. READ MORE
Their website provides latest updates on County related services.
Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs
All three locations will be closed until further notice. They are still available via voicemail, email, social media, and through their website.
NJDOL Benefits and the Coronavirus (COVID-19):What Employees Should Know
State of New Jersey COVID-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal
The State of New Jersey has developed a centralized resource to match talent with opportunities in industries on the front lines of serving New Jerseyans during the outbreak.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Updates
WIC (Women Infants and Children) has provided a list of items that recipients can substitute if they are unable to find approved items.
Zufall Health Centers are permitted to continue providing essential health care services to their patients and community. To schedule an appointment at a Zufall location nearest you, visit
https://www.zufallhealth.org/for-patients/locations/ for hours of operation and contact information.
Mental Health Services
Atlantic Behavioral Health, including the Child and Adolescent Department and Morris CARES (Sexual Assault Center of Morris County who serves youth aged 13+) are doing telehealth sessions from home (video or phone depending on accessibility).
AHS Access Line (888-247-1400). Morris CARES takes self referral through their office line (973-971-4754) which they are checking the voicemail regularly.
Morris CARES Hotline is still available for survivors 24/7 (973-829-5087).
The Atlantic Behavioral Health Crisis Line will also be available (973-540-0100) for other mental health issues.
CAP Program at the Center for Evaluation and Counseling, Inc.
Daytop Outpatient Services . In Morris County for Telehealth and In-Person Services contact Phyllis Courtney at 973.539.5764 x 6025.
Edge Pride Center 973-285-0006.
Family Intervention Services FIS/CFS will continue to provide services to their families (following the guidelines outlined by DCF).
High Focus is offering telehealth videoconferencing at all of their locations allowing access to group, individual, medication management, PHP and IOP.
Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris Counties is educating the community with information videos and links on their website. They are also providing support through their Information and Referral Service.
NewBridge Services continues to provide mental health care and other programs during the COVID-19 crisis. NewBridge Senior Assistance for Independent Living, NewBridge@Home, and NewBridge Jobs
St. Clare's Counseling Services is open for business at all sites with a combination of telephone / video options based on what the consumer has available. 1-888-626-2111
Child Protection and Permanency
Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P)
An “Impact Team” will respond to intakes on a priority basis. State referral hotline remains fully operational. HOTLINE: 877-NJ ABUSE Children's System of Care PerformCare continues to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — 1-877-652-7624
Mobile Response continues to providing crisis stabilization services, case management and implementation of in-home therapeutic services for children and their families. They are using a video and audio platform to connect and support with all our families. They are available 24/7, 365 days a week. Please contact Performacare at 1-877-652-7624.
Caring Partners of Morris/Sussex, Inc. (Care Management Organization) continues to provide care coordination for youth and families. Care Managers are using video and audio platforms to connect with youth, families, service providers and system partners. Caring Partners continues to maintain and update MorrisSusssexResourceNet.org.
Please contact Maria Augustowicz at 973-770-5505 ext 102 if you need further assistance.
Family Partners of Morris and Sussex (Family Support Organization)
Their Outreach Team has created virtual youth groups and support groups, as well as developed online educational workshops. Watch www.familypartnersms.org, their Facebook and Instagram @familypartnersms for updates. Click HERE for their virtual support groups.
Helplines/Hotlines
2nd Floor Youth Helpline 1-888-222-2228
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Mom 2 Mom 1-877-914-MOM2
NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
NJ Hopeline 1-855-NJ-HOPELINE (654-6735)
NJ COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information Hub & Call Centers 24 Hour Coronavirus Education and Information Services - 211 OR 1-800-222-1222
NJ Mental Health Cares 866-202-HELP (4357)
NJ Substance Abuse/Addiction Hotline 24 Hour Helpline 1-844-276-2777
Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-7386
Executive Functioning Techniques-
Some people have indicated that students are having a harder time staying organized and focused on tasks at hand during this pandemic. Here are some techniques to help students stay focused and on tasks.