Alert

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DESTRUCTION OF MEDICAL RECORDS

All medical records from January 1, 1955, through December 31, 1993, will be destroyed beginning January 2, 2025. For more information, visit our medical records page.

Published on April 15, 2020

Taking care of yourself in the time of COVID-19

Mental Health

The outbreak of Coronavirus has caused fear, stress, and worry for many people. If you are one of them, this time of social distancing may be making you feel very alone. At a time when things are uncertain and scary, UNC Lenoir wants to support you through this pandemic.

Watch your news intake. During a pandemic, the news can be upsetting. Be careful of how much you consume. If you are having trouble processing what you hear, connect with friends and family to discuss what you’re hearing.

Monitor your use of social media. Like the news, social media can be overwhelming and difficult. Trying to discern fact from fiction is also a challenge. You can limit what you see on social media by hiding specific sites, people, and pages. If you see something you’re not sure is true, you can utilize fact-checking sites.

Take care of your physical self. Take a walk. Play a game. Read a book. Breathe deeply. Stretch. Do a puzzle. Spend time with your pets. Meditate. Take a bath. Listen to music. Eat healthy meals. Sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Activities that bring you joy are best because they stimulate both your physical and mental health.

Stay in touch with friends: Don’t let this time of isolation separate you from contact with everyone. Make a call or send a text to say hi. If you are feeling overwhelmed or sad, talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Reach out if you need help. If you are dealing with depression and anxiety, there are resources out there for you. If you or someone you know has these emotions or a desire to hurt yourself or others, please reach out to the following resources:

  • If you have thoughts of suicide, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK(8255). It provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress.
  • If you need help with substance abuse or mental health issues, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)website. You can also call 800.985.5990 and TTY 800.846.8517. To text, text TalkWithUs to 66746.
  • If you are dealing with domestic violence, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call them at 800.799.7233 and TTY 800.787.3224
  • Call 911 and local resources will be able to help you.
  • Your healthcare plan may have an Employee Assistance Program with counseling services. Your work benefits department or your insurance provider will know and can give you more information.

There are still many questions about COVID-19, and UNC Lenoir is here to help. UNC Health, UNC Lenoir’s sister hospital, has set up a resource page on our website to help you with questions about the virus and how to protect you and those you love.