I remember back when the stay at home directives were put in place, aside from everyone’s physical well being, I became very concerned about the mental well being of individuals all over…. people were losing their jobs, isolating at home (many people living solo) without support systems, juggling working + parenting without help, taking on the roll as educator, having to cancel much anticipated events, fear and anxiety over catching COVID, worry about loved ones who were isolated or who might be in the constant presence of COVID due to their jobs, and so many other issues that I couldn’t stop thinking about. I know that I personally experienced more worry + loneliness than I ever had before in those beginning months (despite having a house full of love, energy, + finding ways to stay positive) so I knew that others were experiencing the same….

And then I started to receive messages from people asking for resources and help for their marriage that was struggling, their children who were experiencing sadness + anxiety at being isolated from friends + events, and personal anxiety due to the new demands of juggling more rolls. Research confirms what I was seeing in messages with the CDC reporting that in June of this year, 40% of adults in America reported struggling with mental health and substance abuse (31% with depression + anxiety, 26% stressor or trauma related symptoms, 13% started or increased substance abuse, and 11% considered suicide). It’s very accurate to say that the past seven months have been mentally + emotionally hard on everyone, even though the struggle might look differently from person to person.

Mental health is something that is not talked about, or addressed, enough. It’s certainly not something to be embarrassed of, but the stigmas that surround it often make it difficult to openly discuss personal challenges.

So today I wanted to compile a list of mental health resources for these unique times, and beyond. It might not be something you need personally, but maybe a friend or relative could benefit… or maybe it’s something that might be needed at another point in time. It’s not a list of tools that I can give to help ameliorate symptoms, but rather books, websites, and sources for help. I hope it’s helpful in some way.
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MARRIAGE

The Gottman Institute is the leader in the marriage realm and they use a research based approach to helping marriages. Their site is filled with wonderful, and helpful, resources. I use what they discuss in my marriage all the time.

The book “Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman

The Gottman Institute’s Podcast “Small Things Often” which airs Monday + Wednesday mornings and discusses small things you can do, in under 5 minutes, to help improve your marriage (these are research based).

DEPRESSION + ANXIETY

Headspace: guided meditations, articles, and videos to help individuals improve their health and happiness.

Talkspace: an online therapy platform that provides individuals with the support of a licensed therapist all while maintaining appropriate HIPPA compliance (and confidentiality). This is not done face to face, rather via live video sessions.

This article from healthline provides so many amazing resources. They have everything from crisis hotlines (for suicide, LGBTQ, Veterans, and more) to online forums + support groups.

Anxiety + Depression Association of America is an anonymous online support center.

CHILDREN + ADOLESCENTS

I always recommend, personally + professionally used “The Whole Brain Child” by Daniel Siegel to help with parenting and creating emotionally intelligent children. It’s so well written, with great illustrations as well.

The Thrive App: This in an amazing app that helps parents have conversations with their children and adolescents about mental health… it includes conversation starters regarding topics on tobacco, sexual behaviors, and other life style issues.

Online Counseling Programs provides 133 mental health and learning resources for kids and teens