Expert Advice

How to support friends and family during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in profound and unprecedented ways. Most if not all of us are worried about someone we love—whether it’s a relative, a friend, or our community as a whole.

In the face of this crisis, it’s important to remember that even the smallest acts of care can make a difference. We’ve compiled the tips and resources below to help you find simple, concrete ways to take action.

If you’re looking for a way to help a loved one who’s struggling with anxiety, grief, or isolation, one of your best options is simply to reach out. Whether it’s via call, text, or email, let them know you’re there and invite them to talk openly about the fears and day-to-day challenges they’re experiencing. Make a special effort to connect with anyone in your community who may be particularly vulnerable, perhaps because they live alone, they’re at higher risk from this disease, or they struggle with a mental health challenge. Talking about hardship can be uncomfortable, but just acknowledging that someone is struggling truly does help.

If you have a loved one who’s feeling especially anxious, it may also help to support them in setting healthy boundaries around their exposure to social media and the news. Let friends and family know that while you want them to be informed, you also understand that 24/7 coverage of the pandemic can take a mental toll, and you’re always happy to talk about something else. If you notice that someone is overwhelmed with conflicting or speculative information, you can suggest a reliable news source such as the World Health Organization or recommend focusing on local news sources to stay informed of events and opportunities in their immediate community.

Other signals could include:

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In a crisis?
Get support now.

If you’re in urgent need of help, reach out to these organizations.

United States
Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Text Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741

Worldwide
Visit Befrienders www.befrienders.org