Mental Health & Coronavirus: Resources To Help During Isolation

While many are referring to the current pandemic as “the new normal,” let’s face it — things are not very normal right now. 

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Luckily there are a lot of resources, from virtual therapy to meditation apps, currently available that can help ease your mind and worries. 

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month and in light of the current pandemic, ch-ch-check out a few of our favorite resources (below):

Meditation Apps

If you’ve always thought about meditating, but said “I don’t have the time,” it’s the perfect moment to try it out! One new habit which can help you stay grounded through all the noise is meditation! While there are so many styles and approaches to meditation, it’s the same at its core however or wherever you decide to practice.

Here are some of the most popular apps out there for you to ch-ch-check out (below). Many even offer free trials so you can test a few out before committing!

• Calm: This is one of the top-rated apps out there in the health and fitness category, and is beloved by users for its daily mediations, calming music library, and sleep stories. Enjoy inspiring quotes and real-world lessons in each session available in the rotating daily meditation, as well as themed options centered around reducing anxiety, confidence, and more. Did we mention you can train your mind with LeBron James, and even your kids can get involved with meditations tailored for kids and teens!
• Headspace: From tailored meditations tailored to your goals and other sessions focused on themes such as stress reduction, it’s a no brainer that Headspace is incredibly popular. Los Angeles residents head HERE to get free access to Headspace Plus through December 31, 2020. Michigan residents have a special offer HERE, and New Yorkers have one HERE!
• INSCAPE: Calm the chaos with this app created by the team at INSCAPE Studio in NYC, which features specialized sleep offerings, guided meditations, and more.
• Oprah & Deepak’s 21-Day Meditation Experience: Queen Oprah Winfrey has teamed up with Deepak Chopra for years on these 21-day courses, but you can follow along now for free access or purchase past programs. Each day in the series comes with an audio meditation clip opened by Oprah and led by Deepak, paired with journal prompts to encourage you digging deeper.

Hotlines

Calls and texts to hotlines have been surging amid the pandemic, and you don’t have to go through any of this alone. If you cannot wait to speak to a friend, family member, or therapist, or just need someone willing to listen, there are different free hotlines catered to your needs which can help:

• Crisis Text Line: This text service is open to anyone and everyone, for just about any issue. Text SUPPORT to 741-741 24/7.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: This lifeline is made up of local crisis centers providing confidential support to people in need. Call 1-800-273-8255 24/7.
• National Alliance On Mental Health: Trained volunteers offer support and provide practical next steps. Call 1-800-950-6264 Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Start Your Recovery: A website and lifeline that helps with substance misuse. Call 1-800-662-4357 or visit their website to find local support and treatment options, and hear stories from individuals with similar life experiences.

Virtual Therapy

Many therapists have shifted their business virtually amid the pandemic, but if you hadn’t previously been speaking with someone and are looking to do so now, there are a variety of options available online:

• Talkspace: Get matched to a licensed therapist who can provide you with unbiased perspective and offer the tools you need to start feeling better. Plus, they are giving free therapy services to health professionals amid the crisis, as well as other special offers.
• BetterHelp: BetterHelp is the world’s largest counseling service, available 100% online. Get matched to a trained professional who is best suited for your specific needs including grief, anxiety, depression, or trauma.
• Pride Counseling: Specifically for members of the LGBTQ community, Pride Counseling makes help available to everyone, whether they are struggling with their identity or just want to talk generally.

Friendship

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-TXK87F7xI/

Just because you can’t see your friends in person doesn’t mean you can’t still connect virtually! Here are a few ways to stay in touch:

• Nintendo Online: Play games with your friends from afar like Animal Crossing via Nintendo Online. It’s not the same as playing in person, but it’s pretty close!
• Netflix Party: Set up a Netflix Party by installing it on your browser to watch movies and TV with your friends and chat about it at the same time.
• Houseparty: This app has been around since 2016 but is seeing a resurgence thanks to COVID-19. Play games together virtually with friends like Heads Up!, trivia, and more.
• FaceTime: Obviously, phone calls and texting are an option, but having some virtual face-to-face is great as well!
• Advice Columns: You may not know the advice columnists IRL, but getting a fresh perspective on different situations can be incredibly enlightening. Check out Dear Prudence or Ask Polly!

We hope this is of help, Perezcious readers!! Any other tips which have been helping keep you sane? Sound OFF (below) in the comments and share!!

[Image via Calm & Crisis Text Line & BetterHelp & Netflix Party & WENN/Avalon.]