Summary

The website provides information on four resources offering support for mental health during the COVID-19 quarantine.

Abstract

The article outlines four free resources available to individuals struggling with mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of seeking help and acknowledges the difficulty of isolation. The resources include the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which offers immediate support via phone, text, or online chat; NAMI, which provides a wealth of information and support groups; TalkSpace, an app that connects users with licensed therapists; and Happify, an app with scientifically-based activities to improve emotional well-being. The article aims to reassure readers that they are not alone and that these tools can help manage the "quarantine blues."

Opinions

The author believes that the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a valuable resource, even for non-crisis situations, due to its confidentiality and 24/7 availability.
NAMI is recognized for its extensive article-based information and support for various mental health struggles, although the author notes that the website can be overwhelming.
TalkSpace is praised for making therapy more accessible through its app, especially during the pandemic, and for offering discounts and free services to healthcare workers.
Happify is recommended as a helpful tool for those needing a distraction from negative thoughts, with the author highlighting its effectiveness in improving happiness over time.
The author encourages readers to reach out for help and to engage in self-care activities, such as connecting with friends or pets, to combat feelings of isolation.

4 Sources for Managing Quarantine Blues

Being in isolation since Covid-19 became a pandemic is difficult for anyone who struggles with mental health. These are trying times, and as someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression for years — I’ve found that these resources have been the most helpful.

Yet, hope is available, and you are not alone. These are 4 different FREE sources to take advantage of during this season if you or a loved one happen to be struggling with the quarantine blues. It’s important to remember that isolation is not forever, and we will see an end to it.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1–800–273-TALK (8255). This service is great if you feel yourself or a loved one is in the red zone of needing help, but not sure where to start. First, you’ll hear an automated message featuring added options while the call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center.

They’ll play you a little music while you’re being connected to a skilled, trained crisis worker, and then this person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, offer support, and get you the help you need.

If you’re anxious to talk to someone directly, you may text the text line! This is a great resource when thoughts seem to be down spiraling. All you have to do is text HELLO to 741741 and follow the prompts.

Online chat options are available as well at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

It may seem like this resource is limited to escalated issues, but professionals are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to listen even if the situation hasn’t escalated to a crisis emergency. Don’t let the fear of it “not being so bad” stop you from reaching out. Sometimes you need someone to listen as an outsider, this is a great tool for that. All calls are confidential.

NAMI

NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is national resource for state organizations and local communities that raise awareness of mental illness and offer support group programs.

The information on the website can be a little over-whelming because the majority of the information is article based and also organized by what you’re struggling with; but, you can head over to the website https://NAMI.org and find your local NAMI, call the NAMI helpline at 800–950-NAMI or find help in a crisis by texting “NAMI” to 741741.

TalkSpace

TalkSpace is an app available for Android and iOS devices that has introduced therapy and counseling services all at your fingers tips.

Talkspace provides licensed, verified, and background checked therapists to respond to you 1–2 times a day, and if you need more, you have the choice to schedule a video chat.

TalkSpace is now taking action during COVID-19 and offering free therapy for healthcare workers on top of $65 off with the code APPLY65 at your checkout to ALL users.

Talkspace also provides therapy for teens, couples, and works with universities, employers, health plans, and EAP programs to make therapy available and affordable. You can go to https://talkspace.com to see if your university or company is partnered with Talkspace.

How does it work?

You’ll complete an assessment, choose the right plan, find your match, and begin therapy at anytime and any place. This is great for when you’re waiting between visits with your counselor, or you’re new to counseling and need to be walked through the process without the anxiety of filling out personal forms in a quiet office surrounded by unknown individuals.

Happify

Happify is another app available for Android and iOS devices. The app provides scientific-based games and activities made to help reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and build greater resilience to mental health challenges and improve emotional-wellbeing.

Not sold on how games can reduce stress?

Here’s how it works — Answer some questions about yourself, start your recommended track, spend a few minutes a day doing fun activities, it becomes a habit, and you live a more fulfilling life, and are rewarded to keep training. 86% of users saw happiness improvements in 2 months.

In the darkest moments, it’s hard to find that little sliver of hope. This app is great if you want to keep going, but your lack of interest is getting the best of you. Happify provides tracks for meditaion, relationships, personal growth, and more.

I highly recommend if you’re struggling in quarantine and in need of a distraction other than social media.

Don’t forget that we’re all in this together. It’s easy to feel isolated and alone, but choose to go to these resources to help during this isolation. Call a friend to say hello, pet your dog or cat, and be extra kind to yourself this season.

I hope these were helpful — keep your hands clean and your head clear!