Hope will not be cancelled.
The news circulating around the world right now about Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause our anxiety to soar and our worry to grow. There are a lot of practical and important steps to take, but we want to also talk about what you can do to encourage calm and support your mental health well-being in a time of uncertainty. And as always, we are here to remind you: You are not alone. We’re in this together.
Self-care tips
It’s important to practice self-care and things that support emotional and mental health during stressful times. Here are some suggestions:
- Practice mindfulness using meditation apps like Calm and Headspace. Many offer free trials or discounts to start.
- Explore virtual or remote counseling options such as Talkspace.
- Reach out to those you love by calling or texting. Ask for and offer reassurance as best you can.
- Follow guidelines suggested by trustworthy sources. World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are both trusted and reliable.
- Schedule regular breaks from the news and social media by stepping outside and engaging in self-care activities: watch a favorite movie, read a book, listen to podcasts, etc.
- Look to the future with hope by holding on to the things that bring you joy.
Blogs to read
Stories have a way of reminding us we are not alone. Knowing that what we are feeling and experiencing is also shared and understood by others offers us comfort and connection. May these stories from the TWLOHA blog be a source of hope for you right now.
Downloads
In the coming days ahead, many of us will be spending more time at home. You can use our coloring pages to decorate your space with hope. And amidst 24-hour news cycles, having these words and images as your phone background or posting them to your social media pages can act as a gentle nudge to focus on the good that remains.
Videos to watch
Podcast
If podcasts are your thing, we have one that brings you genuine conversations and honest and hopeful connections about the things that make us all human. You can listen to every episode from our first two seasons plus bonus content like our Black And White conversations from last year’s Mental Health Month.
Find Help
No matter what you’re feeling right now, it’s okay to ask for help. Here are some options for connecting to support:
Crisis Text Line: In the US, you can text TWLOHA to 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7. (In the UK text SHOUT to 85258. In Canada text TWLOHA to 686868.)
FIND HELP Tool: Locate free and reduced-cost resource options by entering your zip code and the type of care you’re seeking. For those located outside of the US, we invite you to use our International Resources page.
If your recovery process typically includes attending in-person support group meetings, or you’re looking to join an online support group, here are a few resources to start with:
You can also help TWLOHA continue the work we’re doing by donating or making a purchase from the Online Store.
