Just a reminder that May is national Mental Health Month. As part of its efforts to promote better mental health in our communities, Perry Wellness Center is sharing online resources for our readers.

Today we are highlighting public information from the National Council for Behavioral Health. This national advocacy and training organization is focusing on the effects of COVID-19 on the overall mental health of individuals. While stress and anxiety are normal during times of crisis, healthy coping skills can make thoughts and feelings more manageable.

The National Council for Behavioral Health website offers specific tips for coping and self-care, compiled from such sources as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Some of these are summarized in the infographic above.

The National Council also encourages individuals having a mental health crisis to reach out for help at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255