COVID-19 - Self-Help and Recovery Support Resources

Social distancing can be especially challenging and stressful for people living with, or in recovery from, mental health and substance use disorders, as well as their friends and family members.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, (DHHR) Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) continues to develop coordinated prevention and response strategies for COVID-19. This information and West Virginia’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the state’s COVID-19 website, www.coronavirus.wv.gov.

The following resources provide ways to make connections as well as learn about and cope with COVID-19 related stress.  

Live Support

These are real-time (not recorded) support groups that may be led by peers or clinicians. Some can be accessed by telephone and others are “virtual,” available through the internet or a smartphone application. Virtual support groups often include the option to see and hear other individuals participating in the group by smartphone or computer. 

Telephone Support

• HELP4WV - Call or text 844-HELP4WV (844-435-7498) or visit https://www.help4wv.com/. HELP4WV offers a 24/7 call, chat and text line that provides immediate help for any West Virginian struggling with an addiction or mental health issue.
• Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, offers its 24/7 Emotional-Support Help Line: 866-342-6892. Professionally trained mental health staff are available to provide support for fear or stress created by COVID-19. The service is free of charge and open to all PEIA members.  
• West Virginia 211 - Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211. West Virginia 211 keeps an accurate and comprehensive database to help residents find health and human services for financial, domestic, health or disaster related needs. http://www.wv211.org/  

Phone Meetings

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): http://aaphonemeetings.org/
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA): http://www.nabyphone.com/

National Phone Lines

• Connections App – a free smartphone app developed by Addiction Policy Forum and CHESS Health to help support individuals in recovery from substance use disorders: https://www.addictionpolicy.org/connections-app. With the Connections App individuals can: • Track their sobriety • Access e-therapy to learn new recovery skills • Connect with trained counselors and peers through messaging • Connect with clinical support 7 days a week, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. EST • Track treatment plans and set reminders • Journal daily • View videos, testimonials and more through the resource library                                     
• Disaster Distress Hotline – provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this 24/7/365 hotline provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters (including infectious disease outbreak). Offers crisis counseling, information on recognizing distress, tips for healthy coping, and referrals for local care. For English speakers, call 1-800-846-8517 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. For Spanish speakers, call 1-800-985-5990 and press “2."
• National Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233. Chat online at https://www.thehotline.org/help/. To find local licensed domestic violence programs, visit the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence website: http://wvcadv.org/.
• National Parent Helpline - operated by Parents Anonymous, this helpline offers emotional support and advocacy for parents Monday-Friday, 1:00-10:00 p.m. EDT: 1-855-427-2736 and at http://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/
• National Sexual Assault Hotline - 24/7, confidential and free: 800-656-HOPE (4673) and offers live chat at https://www.rainn.org/. Callers are routed to a local Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) affiliate organization based on the first six digits of their phone number. Cell phone callers have the option to enter the zip code of their current location to more accurately locate the nearest RAINN affiliate.
• StrongHearts Native Helpline provides a culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. EST: 1-844-762-8483.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7: (800) 273-8255 or chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. 
• National Teen Dating Violence Hotline - free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services available 24/7/365: 1-866-331-9474, via text to 'loveis' to 22522 or via chat at www.loveisrespect.org. Highly trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about dating relationships and provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement.
• Trans LifeLine is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Peer support is available 10:00 a.m.-4:00 a.m. EST: 1-877-565-8860 or https://www.translifeline.org/.  
• The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth: (866) 488-7386 or www.thetrevorproject.
• Veteran’s Crisis Line is a U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) hotline to connect veterans who are in crisis (and their families/friends) with qualified, caring VA responders, most of which are veterans themselves. This is a confidential, toll-free hotline (800-273-8255, press 1) and can also be accessed through an online chat platform (https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/veterans-crisis-line.asp) or via text message (838255).

Virtual Meetings

• SAMHSA - Virtual Recovery Resources
  https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/virtual-recovery-resources.pdf
• ShatterProof - Virtual Recovery           http://view.email.shatterproof.org/?qs=ff3b306626ad495a2e93efa4deeb001084ec46afbdedb9be19055984f49adef1177002226b9e9f27bfcb911a1f75307403a5bedcd1ac49f80490db9e125b5ba3f593e189f3d9307d2f6707ee98cfa142  
• WV Drug Intervention Institute - Recovery Resources

https://www.wvdii.org/covid-resources

• DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy - List of Free Online Meetings and Virtual Platforms

https://dhhr.wv.gov/office-of-drug-control-policy/Documents/online-meetings-and-virtual-platforms.pdf

12-Step Meetings

• Alcoholics Anonymous - https://www.onlinegroupaa.org/
• Al-Anon- Electronic Meetings  https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/ 
• Celebrate Recovery - Official Open Share Meetings: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/crcr 
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - Online Support Groups                                                        https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/online-support-groups/
• Gambler’s Anonymous - https://www.1800gambler.net/
• In the Rooms - Global Recovery Community  https://www.intherooms.com/home/
• LifeRing Secular Recovery - https://www.lifering.org/online-meetings
• Narcotics Anonymous -  https://virtual-na.org/meetings/ 
• Refuge Recovery - https://refugerecovery.org/meetings?tsml-day=any&tsml-region=online-english
• Smart Recovery - https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/
• WEconnect Recovery - https://www.weconnectrecovery.com/free-online-support-meetings
• 12-Step Recovery Yoga Online meetings:      

Tuesday: 5:30-7:00 pm https://zoom.us/j/210822932

Thursday: 5:30-7:00 pm https://zoom.us/j/238480178 

Phone Applications (Apps)

Use your iPhone (using the App Store) or Android Smartphone (using Google Play Store) to help your mind and body wellness for a healthier, happier life and get the most out of your day. 

• AA Big Book Free (for Alcoholics Anonymous)
• Breathe2Relax - Mindshift CBT
• Calm 
• Headspace 
• PTSD Coach - Quarantine Chat
• Shine
• Sober Grid
• Sober Recovery
• Stop, Breathe, and Think
• Woebot

Podcasts

Podcasts can be accessed through apps like Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Online searches for “recovery podcasts” or “mental health podcasts” can provide options. Example: Apple Podcasts: Addiction Unlimited; Battling Opioids; Recovery Rocks.

YouTube Channels

Search for recovery and/or mental health recovery videos to provide support and information during COVID-19.  Daily videos are available on YouTube. 

COVID-19 Condition-Specific Behavioral Health Resources

• Stress, Depression and Anxiety Resources: Anxiety and Depression Association of America Resource List: https://adaa.org/finding-help/coronavirus-anxiety-helpful-resources 
• How to Help Someone with Depression or Anxiety during COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/03/how-to-help-someone-with-anxiety-or-depressionduring-covid-19/   
• Substance Use Disorder Potential COVID-19 Implications for Substance Use Disorder: https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/03/covid-19-potential-implicationsindividuals-substance-use-disorders  
• Harm Reduction Resources for People who use Drugs: https://harmreduction.org/miscellaneous/covid19-guidance-for-people-who-use-drugs-and-harm-reduction-programs/  
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Resources: Tip Sheet for Coping with COVID-19 (OCD specific): https://www.shalanicely.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tip-Sheet-OCD-Coronavirus-Concerns.pdf  
• Resources from the International OCD Foundation: https://iocdf.org/covid19/ 
• Dr. Jon Grayson on coping with COVID-19 with OCD: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jon-graysoncoronavirus-covid-19-ocd/   

Domestic Violence Resources

• Staying Safe During COVID-19 for Survivors of Domestic Violence (National Domestic Violence Hotline): https://www.thehotline.org/2020/03/13/staying-safe-during-covid-19/
• Mantenerse segurx durante COVID-19– La Línea Nacional Contra la Violencia Doméstica: https://espanol.thehotline.org/2020/03/18/mantenerse-segurx-durante-covid-19/ 
• Critical Information for Domestic Violence Victims during the COVID-19 Crisis (Legal Aid of West Virginia): https://www.lawv.net/Resources/Self-Help-Library/Coronavirus/Critical-Information-for-Domestic-Violence-Victims-during-the-COVID-19-Crisis

Families with Children

• Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19: https://childmind.org/coping-duringcovid-19-resources-for-parents/  
• Helping Homebound Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS): https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Helping_Homebound_Children_during_COVID19_Outbreak.pdf
• Managing Anxiety and Stress Over COVID-19: Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With COVID-19 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/parent-caregiver-guide-to-helping-families-cope-with-thecoronavirus-disease-2019    
• NPR: Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids about COVID-19 (tips, videos & resources): https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comicexploring-the-new-coronavirus
• Resource Guide for Families: Quality Matters Resource Guide - COVID-19 National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About COVID-19: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/schoolclimate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
• Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMHSA): https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Talking-With-Children-Tips-for-Caregivers-Parents-and-Teachers-During-Infectious-Disease-Outbreaks/PEP20-01-01-006?referer=from_search_result  
• WHO: Helping Children Cope with Stress During the COVID-19 Outbreak: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stressprint.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2

Foundations and Charitable Organizations

• Philanthropy WV:

Housing Resources

• Legal Aid of West Virginia may be able to assist with cases such as landlord disputes and evictions, subsidized and public housing, mortgage foreclosures, hazardous conditions and utilities.

https://www.lawv.net/Resources/Self-Help-Library/Coronavirus

Information from Other Sources

• Addiction Policy Forum: Free App to support people in recovery during COVID-19: https://www.addictionresource.net/
• WVDHHR COVID19 Website:
  https://dhhr.wv/COVID-19/
• “Tips for Staying Connected and Safeguarding Your Addiction Recovery” by Hazelden Betty Ford (HBF) contains online support meetings, podcasts/blogs, mobile apps, social media groups, and movie/video suggestions. HBF also has The Daily Pledge, an online support community with chat rooms and virtual hang outs for those in recovery.  https://hazeldenbettyford.org
• Medicare & Coronavirus: https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus?utm_campaign=20200318_gmd_prv_gal&utm_content=english&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
• Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/living-mental-illness-during-covid-19outbreak-preparing-your-wellness   
• Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2020/03/how-tobethedifference-for-people-with-mental-health-concerns-during-covid-19/    
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Support: The NAMI HelpLine Coronavirus Information and Resources Guide may be a helpful resource for those with mental health conditions. This resource provides information about the pandemic, resources for support, warm line phone numbers, etc.

https://www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US

• SAMHSA’s COVID-19 Guidance and Resources:                                                     https://www.samhsa.gov/coronavirus  
• SAMHSA: Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-with-Stress-During-Infectious-DiseaseOutbreaks/sma14-4885  
• SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Social Distancing: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Taking-Care-of-Your-Behavioral-Health-During-an-InfectiousDisease-Outbreak/sma14-4894
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention: Mental Health & Coping During COVID-19:      https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control: Stigma and Resilience During COVID-19:        https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html
• World Health Organization’s Mental Health Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak:                   https://www.faams.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mental-Health-Considerations-Duringthe-COVID-19-Outbreak-3-6-2020.pdf

Internet and Phone Resources

Internet Access

• Your Guide to Internet Service During New Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak:

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/internet-guide-during-coronavirus-outbreak

• Mobile Carrier Response to COVID-19: https://www.ctia.org/news/blog-keeping-us-connected-through-covid-19  
  SafeLink/TracFone and other mainstream carriers are pledging more data, no phone cut-offs and longer payment times to ensure connectivity.  The online application for accessing free phones for low-income individuals can be found at this link:   https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome?utm_source=dmec&utm_medium=ST_Referral&utm_content=click_to_apply&utm_campaign=COVID

LGBTQ Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous Online LGBT Support Groups: 

http://aa-intergroup.org/directory_glbt.php

• The Gay & Lesbian Medical Association’s (GLMA) Directory of LGBTQ-friendly medical providers:                                                    http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=939

Long Term Care Resources  

• The West Virginia Aging & Disability Resource Network (ADRN) and its partner agencies are a bridge to available resources to assist with questions about long-term care services and supports that may allow you or your loved one to remain at home and active in the community for as long as possible: 1-866-981-2372https://www.wvnavigate.org/SitePages/Home.aspx#/

Peer Support Summary (Digital)

Self-Help and Self-Care Resources

• DHHR Guidance on Stress and Coping:

https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/Documents/COVID-19-Guidance-on-Stress-and-Coping.pdf

• ‘FACE COVID’ - How to respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis, by Dr. Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap. ‘FACE COVID’ is a set of practical steps for responding effectively to the COVID-19 crisis using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q5WQbw1q7qM9ZU3slUeYx1_3uITGtxn/view 
• Keep Your Mind Grounded - Mental Health America: https://www.mhanational.org/sites/default/files/B2S%202018%20Worksheet%20-%20Keep%20Your%20Mind%20Grounded.pdf    
• 5 Minute Mindfulness Meditation - Diana Winston:  https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations  
• Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety: https://www.virusanxiety.com/; see also https://www.virusanxiety.com/take-care 
• Social Support—Getting and Staying Connected: https://mhanational.org/stay-connected
• Self-Care Kit—Creating Your Special Place: http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/exercises/creatingyour-special-place.pdf  

Trauma/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Resources

• Coping with COVID-19 in the Context of PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_managing_stress.asp

Veteran Resources

• If you are a Veteran in crisis, or you’re concerned about one, free, confidential support is available 24/7.  Call the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-88255 and press 1; send a text message to 838255, or chat online.
  U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/ https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/