Over 100 years ago, YWCAs across the country operated as first responders during the Spanish influenza pandemic. Today, we have been called upon to do the same during the global coronavirus pandemic. We are, and always have been, on the front lines.
During these difficult times, stress and anxiety are at an all-time high for many individuals throughout our community. Hearing consistent reports about COVID-19 and the deadly impact it is causing on our communities can be difficult to digest. In addition, adjusting to proactive safety measures required to ‘flatten the curve’ of the spread of COVID-19, can be extremely stressful.
It’s imperative that we take time to look after our own mental health during this traumatic time. Self-care is always a good practice, and in times like these, it’s even more necessary than ever to maintain our mental health. YW3CA is here to help. Below, we have an extensive list of resources available for you: from podcasts, to articles, to videos and more.
A crucial local service available is offered through National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Montgomery County office. They are offering support groups virtually and by dial in. To access this free resource, please visit: https://namimontcopa.org/virtual-nami-connection-recovery-support-groups/. While NAMI’s Montgomery county office closed, they continue to maintain their Help Line (215-361-7784), Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
In addition, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is offering a Support & Referral Helpline (1-855-284-2494) for those struggling with anxiety or overwhelming emotions due to COVID-19. The helpline is available 24/7 to listen to Pennsylvanians and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
YWCA Tri-County Area is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This is our mission. We will get through this.
Do you have a dependable resource that has helped you manage your mental health? Share with us by emailing marketing@ywcatricountyarea.org.
Mental Health Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) serving Montgomery County https://namimontcopa.org/ OR https://publiccourseapi.nami.org/Learner/Login?&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=NewsfeedAD&utm_campaign=Basics2020&fbclid=IwAR3VAX73N8oCfwuTAJRkwTlgDjO-_13Z3OlDxv9QZdeI9jKPGuTxXDIMeLA
50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers & School Staff https://teach.com/resources/mental-health-resources-teachers-school-staff/
NPR: Self-Care Tips During COVID-19 https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/26/822114301/covid-19-self-care-tips-from-the-world-health-organization
Mindful Practices During COVID-19 https://www.mindful.org/how-to-stop-breathe-listen-and-connect-during-the-covid-outbreak/
The Happiness Lab Podcast: How to Maintain Well-Being in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic https://www.happinesslab.fm/
The Science of Happiness: Staying Close While Physical Distancing https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/series/the_science_of_happiness
KQed: Self-Care Tips During COVID-19 https://www.kqed.org/arts/13876619/self-care-tips-to-get-you-through-the-new-coronavirus-normal
Tara Brach: Guided Meditations https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/
Greater Good’s Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/greater_good_guide_to_well_being_during_coronavirus
Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During COVID-19 https://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/69704/attach/2509028_1_SAMHSA_Quarantine_Handout.pdf
The Daily: Learning to Live with Coronavirus https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vpqQAhz7ecu6hFazL36s8?context=spotify%3Ashow%3A3IM0lmZxpFAY7CwMuv9H4g&si=oLZaiHmeQ0Gzi6ei0dTWUw&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=ff3b54c6-558b-4fca-9c4d-b221720db4c0
NAMI: COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide https://www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf
Some Good News with John Krasinki https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5pgG1M_h_U
Inspire More: Feel Good Articles & Videos www.inspiremore.com
“Something Strange Happened In My City” – A Children’s Social Story for the COVID19 Outbreak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWltPK3vUXs
Daily Live COVID-19 Updates in SPANISH, Presented by ACLAMO https://www.facebook.com/aclamo
Building Your Resilience During COVID-19 https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
American Medical Association: Managing Mental Health During COVID-19 https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/managing-mental-health-during-covid-19
Coronavirus Fact Sheets: Multilingual Resources https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
CCATE – Recursos Para Familias https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NYjJjd3w6nUEHl6KPodz_ikp0wLdG5NIOUqnrCbeEQQ/edit?fbclid=IwAR1sj_ICsMEjkwFwqtDRiLV6mQwf2TrkMYmcQnaIqVMXfshlOomWyQ1UYoo
PA Launches ‘Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters’ https://namimontcopa.org/pennsylvania-launches-reach-out-pa-your-mental-health-matters/
OnlineCounselngPrograms.com‘s piece, “Managing Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic”, details how to proactively maintain your mental health during the coronavirus. You can access the full resource here: https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/blog/mental-health-covid-19/
How Communities Can Prevent Panic in Uncertain Times
https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/resources/prevent-panic-in-uncertain-times/
From Barbers to Bankers: How to Find Mental Health Advocates in Your Community
