7 Mental Health Resources You Can Turn To If You’re Struggling During The Pandemic

The recent unprecedented circumstances around the coronavirus pandemic are causing a great deal of stress, anxiety, and fear for people across the country. Between reduced social opportunities with friends, struggling to pay bills, and the second surge of cases popping up around the country, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, even depressed. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of distress or struggling with worrying about the impact of the virus on our individual and collective ways of living life, there are ways to find help during this pandemic. 

Here are 7 mental resources you can turn to if you’re struggling: 

  1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1- 800-273-TALK (8225)  

This is a free, confidential hotline available to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline connects callers to the nearest Lifeline crisis center in the Lifeline national network. The centers provide free mental health referrals and crisis counseling. 

  1. CRISIS Text Line- Text “HELLO” to 741741

This is a text hotline available to anyone in the U.S. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The line provides service to anyone in any type of crisis. It also connects people with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information. 

  1. Therapy For Black Girls

This online resource dedicates itself to encouraging the mental well being of black women and girls. It provides access to therapists, podcasts on mental health topics, and erases the stigma for those who are struggling with various mental health issues.  

  1. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)- (800-931-2237)

This is the largest non-profit organization fully dedicating itself to support individuals and families who are struggling with eating disorders. NEDA provides a helpline number to those who need support, resources, and treatment options for themselves or their loved ones.

This organization provides online support groups, and free, low-cost support through resources such as its Instagram page.

The IG page offers live meal support every 2 hours starting at 8am EDT daily. 

  1. 9 Strategies For Quarantining in a Non-LGBTQ Affirming Environmen

Through the help of queer therapists and experts from the Trevor Project, this resource provides tips on how to endure isolation with those who may not accept your identity. 

  1. Warmlines

Warmlines provide early intervention with emotional support that can help prevent a crisis. The lines are typically free, confidential, peer-supported services staffed by those who have experienced mental health conditions themselves. Find a warmline in your area at warmline.org. 

  1.  Helpwhenyouneedit.org

There are over 350,000 listings for social services, mental health, substance abuse, and legal and financial assistance that individuals can access if needed. 

  1.  Sidran Institute (410-825-8888)

This resource helps people understand, manage, and treat trauma and dissociation by maintaining a helpline for information and resources.

Besides what is listed here, there are many more resources that can assist you, to provide the help you need to weather this storm. This current crisis is difficult for all of us.

Being kind to yourself and others while taking things one day at a time can go a long way.

Featured photo by Olia Nayda on Unsplash

4 COMMENTS

  1. Hello! Thank you for such a useful article especially nowadays. I think it’s worth seeking help, and there is no shame. I also suffer, but I try not to give up. I have serious anxiety and I don’t know how to cope with it. Can’t remember how many times I cried alone in my room. I’m not sure whether it is the symptom or anxiety I feel like I had breathing difficulty. I’m really lost and not dare to go to check because I scared I will be infected when I go to the hospital.

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