Resources to Access At Home That Support Mental Health During the Pandemic
As COVID-19 spreads across the United States, many people are reporting an increase in mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. And no wonder- the impact is widespread and far-reaching, with job loss, financial insecurity, interrupted routines, cancelled vacations and events, home confinement (sometimes with difficult family/roommates or in complete isolation), fear of illness/death for self and loved ones, grief, and lack of supplies or a fear of a lack of supplies. However, there are resources you can access from home that might help you or a friend cope with the changes resulting from the pandemic.
Meditation Apps Meditation has been proven to be able to relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and it can help you cope with loss of control by keeping you in the present moment. There are many excellent apps that you can get on your smartphone or tablet. Headspace is a popular app, and they are offering healthcare professionals a free subscription through 2020. Calm, Insight Timer, and Smiling Mind are other options, which are free to download and offer limited versions without subscriptions.
Exercise Videos Online workout videos can be a great way to stay active when gyms are closed and you’re stuck in the house, and they can help break the monotony of sitting all day. Exercise is known to naturally release chemicals, such as serotonin and endorphins, that can improve your mood and reduce mental health symptoms. Check out this list of free workout videos which includes fat-burning workouts, yoga (including a body positive yoga video), a seated workout, full-length exercises, under 10 minute videos, and dance-based workouts. There’s something for everyone!
Crisis Support Some people may feel hopeless, helpless, or overwhelmed as they deal with stressors relating to the virus. There are many crisis support resources available that can allow you to get short-term, immediate intervention. IMAlive is an online crisis network that allows users to instant message with volunteers that are trained and certified in crisis intervention. Crisis Text Line allows you to connect with a crisis counselor via text message. Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, and can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Homeschooling Resources As schools transition to online learning, both parents and students are reporting increased challenges with school. HMHCO has free learning resources and educator support. Kahn Academy is a nonprofit that is offering specific resources in response to COVID-19, including daily schedules, remote learning resources, support for students, parents, and teachers, and expert-created content for many different courses at different levels. Also, here’s a list of 200+ Online Learning Resources.
Online Support Groups Practicing social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t get social support. An online support group can help give you additional social support, decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, provide a way to make meaningful connections, and teach you new strategies and tools for coping. Some websites offering online support groups for various issues and topics are SupportGroups.com, Psych Central, and Support Groups Central.
Mental Health Podcasts Podcasts can be a valuable resource, as they are free, easy to access, and convenient to consume. If you’re looking for a positive mental health boost, consider The Happiness Lab by Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University. In addition to her regular episodes about living happier and more fulfilling lives, she has recently released episodes specifically regarding well-being and the coronavirus. Other recommendations include The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast, Anxiety Slayer, and The Hilarious World of Depression.
Telehealth Online Therapy Most insurance plans are making special allowances for Telehealth right now, even if they previously didn’t cover it. It can be very easy to connect with a licensed mental health professional from your home, via video or phone. A therapist can give you extra support and help you find ways to better manage challenging feelings. Be sure to find a therapist in your state as license laws typically dictate that you must be in the state where the therapist is licensed. You can find a therapist by looking at in-network providers on your insurance plan or using Psychology Today, which allows you to search for a therapist by location, insurance, issue, type of therapy, and more. Learn more about Telehealth.
If you’re on the front line of the pandemic (healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store employees, etc.), be sure to check out Coronavirus Online Therapy which can connect you to a therapist providing free or discounted online therapy, exclusively for those working on the front line.
Know of any other resources that might help people manage their mental health during the pandemic? Drop them in the comments!
Read about Self-Care During the Coronavirus Outbreak.
*Many of these resources may only be available in the USA. These recommendations are mostly based on opinion. The full extent of the resources listed have not been evaluated by the author.
