Resources to Combat Your COVID-19 Blues
Are You Taking Care Of Your Mental Health?
In these bizarre times, it’s easy to focus on all the negatives going on in the world. Those of us struggling with employment, education, or housing are experiencing a lot of stress, anxiety, and fear. Being confined to our homes due to the rising stay-at-home orders for these past couple of weeks may have had an impact on your mental health.
The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing. Maintaining good mental health is essential to getting through this challenging period. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social welfare. It impacts how we think, feel, and act. If neglected, it may result in a downward change in your thinking, mood, and behavior.
Sometimes, it can be a struggle to identify whether you are experiencing mental health issues if you are not familiar with the signs. The U.S. Health and Human Services’ Mental Health website lists several common indicators of negative mental wellbeing. Ways to maintain positive mental wellness includes getting professional help if you need it, connecting with others; staying positive; getting physically active; helping others; getting enough sleep, and developing coping skills.
Positive mental wellness takes practice and support. If you are unsure as to how to get started, what to do, and where to find resources during this time, don’t worry. National Deaf Therapy – one of CSD SVF’s deaf business partners – has compiled a great list of resources to support your journey.
Weekly Support Groups*
If you live in Ohio or Pennsylvania, consider joining one of NDT’s free support groups. The groups will discuss how you can manage anxiety related to COVID- 19. The sessions will be held every Friday from 5-6 pm EST and allow up to 7 registrants at a time. Find out how to participate here.
*These groups will end Friday, April 24th 2020.
NDT Creates
Check out NDT’s website for more tool-based videos you can utilize to manage your mental health well-being at this time. Their website includes tools on managing anxiety, depression, relationships and more. Visit their tools page to jumpstart your wellness journey with these free mental health resources.
Network of Holistic Community Healers
The path to mental wellbeing goes beyond your emotional and psychological health. It is a holistic state of being that includes your physical health as well. NDT has curated a network of holistic community healers for you to check out. From yoga to meditation to holding space and astrology, find deaf providers in their network.
1:1 Therapy Sessions
If you need some 1:1 time, consider signing up for one of their online therapy sessions*. Talking with licensed professionals can be an incredibly healing experience and is highly recommended by mental health experts. Click here to make an appointment.
*You may be charged a fee for these sessions.
Heal Talk, Real Talk
National Deaf Therapy (NDT) is hosting weekly Virtual Healing Sessions via their Instagram (@nationaldeaftherapy). Led by founders Amanda Sortwell and Megan Erasmus, the “Heal Talk, Real Talk” live streams aim to help us maintain our spiritual and emotional health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Tune in at 11:30 am MST (10:30 am PST, 12:30 pm CST, 1:30 pm EST) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Community Compassion Toolkit
Access their Community Compassion Toolkit. It’s a free online e-learning resource where community members can learn how to better support each other. Whether you are a community member, provider or NDT Client, everyone is invited to request the kit here.
Social Media Resources
National Deaf Therapy posts a lot of content and opportunities on their social media pages. Including videos, inspirational quotes, and resources.
Follow them on Instagram @nationaldeaftherapy or Facebook for the latest opportunities.
Don’t wait for things to feel worse before you address your mental health. You might not be at a point where you are pulling your hair out or sleeping the day away. However, mental health looks different in everyone. If you notice a decrease in your productivity, that your mood is often sour, or other changes in behavior – seek support.
We are all going through a tough time, but please remember that you are not alone. Our community is here to help and support one another. Keep checking CSD.org/coronavirus for more resources on addressing the changes caused by COVID-19. Share your coping mechanisms with us on our social media pages. Drop your favorite books, websites, and online accounts, helping you through this time on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @ThisIsCSD.