Whatever you are going through right now I encourage you to repeat this phrase, “This is only temporary”. Now I very much understand this is easier said than done. This is why I compiled a list of online and telephone resources you can access right from your couch. From meditation and journaling to helplines and yoga, with these resources, you can feel happy and connected while responsibly social distancing.
Websites
LGBT National Help Center – Support Education and Community Organizing
IMAlive – Online Peer Support Center
MentalHealth.gov – Information on how to get help, or support someone you love, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Ok2Talk – an online outlet for teens and young adults with mental illness to talk about their stories, find support, and discuss the diagnoses they may have received.
LifeRing – to help people who wish to be sober design their own recoveries in a way that makes sense for them. You can choose online meetings, email groups, or online forums and chat rooms. In-person meetings are also available.
Smart Phone Applications
Headspace – Free mediation app for iPhone and Andriod
Daily Affirmations – Free app with daily affirmations to help you keep focused on the positive
Stop, Breathe, Think – A friendly app to guide people through meditations for mindfulness & compassion.
Feel better – Mood and CBT therapy to manifest goals – Online gratitude journal and reminder to help you develop a positivity habit.
Happify – Science-Based Activities & Games to Overcome Worries, Stress & Life’s Challenges
Daylio – Daylio is an online journal where you record, moods and activities to help you understand your habits and make changes to increase wellness.
Telephone Resources
NAMI 1-800-950-NAMI – National hotline for the National Alliance of Mentally Ill. NAMI supports and encourages self-help activities and consumer-run programs including peer support, housing, day centers, small businesses, clubhouses, and drop-in centers
Borderline Personality Resource Center 1-888-694-2273 – The Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center hotline is monitored by certified social workers. They can provide immediate over-the-phone crisis counseling and can refer you to local resources in your area.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 This suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7 to offer a compassionate ear — no matter what you’re dealing with.
Veteran Crisis Line – 800-273-8255 This is a crisis support line specifically for veterans and active service members, especially for those contemplating suicide. It also offers help with other mental health issues, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and substance abuse.
Podcasts
Mental Illness Happy Hour – Paul Gilmartin interviews a variety of noted figures and celebrities about their experiences with mental illness or trauma.
WTF with Marc Maron – Unexpected but refreshingly vulnerable discussions about mental health pop up in interviews with people ranging from former U.S. President Barack Obama to actress Kristen Bell.
The Happiness Lab – Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University uses findings from cutting-edge scientific research on the link between human behavior and emotions to show that your own happiness is in your control in even the smallest ways.
The Hilarious World of Depression – Host John Moe demonstrates depression can take as many forms as there are people who have it as demonstrated in his interviews with individuals such as Darryl McDaniels from hip-hop group Run-DMC and Peter Sagal of the popular NPR show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!”
Text Lines
Crisis Text line – Text HELP to 741741 – You’ll be matched with a volunteer counselor, who is supervised by a licensed, trained mental health profession where you can talk about suicidal thoughts, abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, bullying and more
YouthLine – Text teen2teen to 839863 – YouthLine provides a safe space for children and adults ages 11 to 21, to talk through any issues they may be facing, including eating disorders, relationship or family concerns, bullying, sexual identity, depression, self-harm, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.
The Trevor Project – Text START to 678678 – LGBTQIA+ kids and teens can reach out to The Trevor Project for support during a crisis if they are feeling suicidal or need a safe space to talk about any issue.
YouTube
Yoga with Adriene – Multi-level yoga videos to help you stay physically and emotionally healthy.
Daily Calm – Tamara Levitt guides this 10 minute Daily Calm mindfulness meditation to powerfully restore and re-connect with the present.
Guided Imagery – a form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between the mind and body. It is a way of focusing your imagination to create calm, peaceful images in your mind, to provide a mental escape.
