Emotional Health & Wellbeing

People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID-19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.

Source:  CDC.gov

When people become worried or anxious, they sometimes look for reasons they believe cause their worries. For COVID-19, some people in the U.S. may be concerned about people who are living in or visiting areas where outbreaks occurred.  This fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma.  For example, there have been reports of stigma towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.

Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.  In order to combat stigma, learn the facts about COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Source:  adapted from CDC.gov

Both the CDC and California State COVID Response Website have comprehensive resources to help you:

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

California COVID-19 Resources: https://covid19.ca.gov/resources-for-emotional-support-and-well-being/#top

Both the CDC and California State COVID Response Website have comprehensive resources to help you:

• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

California COVID-19 Resources: https://covid19.ca.gov/resources-for-emotional-support-and-well-being/#top

• Costco (Novato): Tuesday’s and Thursday’s - 8am to 9am
• Nugget Markets (Novato, Corte Madera and Tiburon): 7am daily
• Safeway: Tuesday’s and Thursday’s - 7am to 9am
• Target: Wednesday’s - 8am
• Whole Foods: 8am - 9am daily

This is not meant to be a complete list of stores and this information is subject to change.  Please contact your local Marin retailer to verify if special shopping hours are available.

All participants in group counseling services must attend meetings remotely if they are equipped to do so. Groups should make accommodations for remote support to the maximum extent feasible. If remote participation is not feasible or advisable under the circumstances, participation may occur in person provided that there is compliance with the social distancing requirements set forth in the Order, including maintaining at least 6 foot distance between individuals and capping group size to reduce in-person interactions.  

Yes, mental health appointments can continue. Patients should consult with their practitioners to determine whether it is appropriate and feasible to conduct individual mental health appointments remotely.  

The following resources are available to help people who may be experiencing distress or heightened anxiety right now:   

• 24/7 Behavioral Health Services Mental Health and Substance Use Access and Assessment: (888) 818-1115 

• 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit: (415) 473-6666  

• 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Line: (800) 273-8255 

• If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911 immediately.