During the coronavirus epidemic and the resulting need to self-isolate, preserving your mental health has become more crucial than ever. As you come to terms with the new reality of staying home to prevent the rapid transmission of the illness, you may begin to miss the support system you relied on before this disease disrupted our daily lives.
In these challenging times, being able to talk with people who understand what you are going through is valuable. Unfortunately, meeting in large groups is currently off-limits for the foreseeable future. Even for those who have figured out ways to pursue therapy through telehealth, having extra resources to shore up your mental well-being is always helpful. Here are some online support networks that may benefit you.
1. Distanced, Not Alone
New York-based therapist Rachel Wright has organized a free, virtual online support group to allow people to talk through any COVID-19 issues they’re grappling with, including anxiety, coping skills, social distancing and more. You can sign up for this group and receive advice from Wright and fellow group members on ways to take care of yourself and protect your mental health during a pandemic.
2. The National Alliance on Mental Illness
This nationwide group has chapters in every state, many of which offer free programming and support for people who are struggling with issues such as anxiety or depression. If you need more immediate help, you can also call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI, or text “NAMI” to 741741.
3. HealthUnlocked
This community encourages positive engagement for anyone who is currently in isolation due to coronavirus. It’s now open to the public, and is proving especially useful for those who have existing underlying health issues, as it connects personalized engagement with condition-specific segments of the population.
4. Depression: Friends Supporting Each Other
This support network, which formerly met in person, has now moved online due to the need for self-quarantine. Due to coronavirus, it is now open to people outside its home city of Chicago via the platform Meetup.
Getting Through COVID-19 Together
During this pandemic, coronavirus-related mental health issues can range from fear over your health and that of others to uncertainty and grief over the loss of your normal way of life. If you’re having issues with your mental health and need to reach out and feel you’re not alone, connecting with these online support groups can be invaluable. Isolation can be especially challenging because it prevents you from participating in your typical daily routine.
No matter what else changes in this unpredictable world, one thing that remains unwavering is New Found Life’s mission to serve addicted people who need help. We believe addiction is a treatable disease, and we teach adult men and women how to live without alcohol and drugs holding them back. To learn more about our evidence-based continuum of care, contact us anytime.