This is a difficult time for all of us. Many of us are experiencing fear and uncertainty for ourselves, our loved ones and our community. In times of stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of our emotional wellbeing and to know that we are not alone. In this guide, you’ll find links to resources and information about how to access help, as well as tips and ideas about how to stay grounded and connected during a time of crisis.
We are in this together.
UPDATED 26 JULY: NEWLY ADDED LINKS ARE HIGHLIGHTED
LA County Health & Safety Information Website
General Mental Health Resources
Disability Community Resources
Resources for Immigrants and Undocumented People
Resources for Unsheltered and Housing Insecure People
Tips & Resources from a Mental Health Professional
ORGANIZE LOCALLY
Right now is a critical time to organize at the hyper-local level. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors are setting up systems to share support, supplies, and information during this challenging moment. LA Forward is here to help you join or organize a mutual aid network for your building, block, or neighborhood. Learn more here: https://www.losangelesforward.org/mutualaid
General Mental Health Resources
**IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS GET HELP NOW! 24/7 - (800) 854-7771**
**CRISIS TEXT LINE: TEXT “LA” TO 741741**
- Resources | COVID-19: Keeping Los Angeles Safe - Regularly Updated Resources from the City of Los Angeles covering Students and Education, Safety and Support, Testing and Health, Food and Supplies, Workers and Renters, Businesses, Information, and Immigrants
- Village for Vets - Village for Vets fills critical gaps in key services for homeless and at-risk veterans in greater Los Angeles. Through programs providing meals, emergency grants, support for basic needs, social support, and links to additional services, Village for Vets helps ensure Los Angeles’ homeless and at-risk veterans don’t fall through the cracks. Check out their COVID-19 resources if you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America - Coronavirus Corner - Helpful Expert Tips and Resources to Manage Anxiety
- Friendship Line (Institute on Aging) - 24 hour toll-free crisis line for people who are aged 60yrs and older (or adults with disabilities) / (800) 971-0016
- LA Warmline - Confidential overnight telephone support service for loneliness, confusion, substance, mental health concerns / (855) 952-9276 (update for warmline section)
- For National Suicide Prevention Hotline, can we also include (800) 273-8255 (just for anyone who needs TALK keyed out for them)
- For Crisis Text Line, can we update to include “Text LA to 741741 or Text HOME to 741741”
- LAUSD Counseling Services - Counselors and mental health professionals are available to LAUSD students and families. (213) 241-3840. The hotline is open weekdays from 6a.m. to 6 p.m
- A simply, easy to follow flowchart on focusing on what we can control during these times developed by a therapist. Relieve Anxiety During Times of Uncertainty
- UCLA Arts & Healing: Free online mental health/stress-reduction programs through the arts. Meant for adults but includes programs for parents to learn how to use art to help reduce their kids' stress. UCLA health guide to reducing coronavirus-related anxiety and stress: https://connect.uclahealth.org/2020/04/10/a-comprehensive-guide-to-reducing-anxiety-and-fear-from-covid-19/
- Tips for parents on supporting their child's mental health by a psychologist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdKeau2huT4&app=desktop
- LA County Department of Mental Health - Important emergency resources
- Affordable Therapy Los Angeles--A counseling center offering high quality therapy from $29-$69 per session. All of their licensed and pre-licensed therapists are currently offering Telehealth sessions.
- Coronavirus Online Therapy is a website that pairs essential workers and first responders who would like counseling with therapists all over the country who are offering their services for $50/session or less.
- How we talk about COVID-19 shapes our reality of it and how we respond. Here is a great article with 8 tips about how to frame the pandemic in a way that helps us feel more in control and take action.
- Meditation teacher and author Tara Brach’s Pandemic Care Resources, a compendium of guided meditations and talks to help support people through these difficult times.
- OnBeing’s A Care Package for Uncertain TImes: poetry, interviews, meditations, reflections and podcasts to help you process these uncertain times.
- For therapists: the meditation app Breethe is offering a free lifetime subscription. All you have to do is mail the request to support@breethe.com with your license/registration number.
- After the TV producer Valerie Chow was violently attacked recently while walking her dog, she created the campaign #becool2asians to counteract the rise in racist and xenophobic attacks on Asians. She is currently enlisting therapists to provide pro-bono and low cost therapy to folx who’ve been the victims of such assaults.
- Yoga Nidra video by therapist Jessica Mariglio. According to Jessica, yoga nidra, “is a lovely meditation that is very relaxing because it puts the practitioner in a suspended sleep-wake state. It’s similar to savasana (corpse pose) at the end of a yoga class. There is no physical movement and many people feel like they took a really nice nap.”
- Lived wisdom on panic, worry and isolation - Stories to support the community amid the COVID-19 crisis from mental health service users, survivors and ex-patients.
- Talkspace -- An online directory offering thousands of licensed therapists to engage with telesessions and online support. Currently offering a specific Covid-19 anxiety management program to all subscribers, and a $100 off promotion with code “ 1004U.” Talkspace is also offering a free therapist-led Facebook support group for managing coronavirus-related anxieties. And if you yourself are a nurse, doctor, or social worker dealing with frontline-related mental health issues, Talkspace offers free messaging therapy.
- BetterHelp -- An online counseling service offering professional, licensed, and vetted counselors. You’re matched with a therapist via a brief survey, and can communicate with that therapist through messaging, video calls, or phone calls. In fact, messaging with your therapist is available at any time. For folks dealing specifically with covid-19-related anxieties, they’re offering 50% off the first month.
- Able To -- Offering free, simple toolkits for managing covid-19 anxieties, including how to square one’s breathing, manage information gathering without spinning into panicking, and more. They also offer helpful tools on how to most effectively use tele-therapy sessions.
- For those having trouble being quarantined with another person and sensing stresses and anxieties turning into fraught communication and conflict, this free toolkit on the practice of Reflective Listening could be helpful.
- Active Minds -- A college/youth-oriented mental health organization, with many free tools oriented around covid-19 anxieties -- including weekly student chats and webinars.
- Porchlight -- An app that allows you to invite loved ones into a special network, asks you brief questions about how you’re feeling that day, and makes it easy for everyone to “check in” on and “catch up” with them, making connections even in times of physical distance intuitive. Currently free during the covid-19 pandemic.
- Sanvello -- An app offering clinically validated techniques and support for mental health struggles and symptoms -- including simple check-ins, guided meditations, and more. Currently free during the covid-19 pandemic.
- The APPLE Technique, from AnxietyUK:
- Acknowledge: Notice and acknowledge the uncertainty as it comes to mind.
- Pause: Don't react as you normally do. Don't react at all. Pause and breathe.
- Pull back: Tell yourself this is just the worry talking, and this apparent need for certainty is not helpful and not necessary. It is only a thought or feeling. Don't believe everything you think. Thoughts are not statements or facts.
- Let go: Let go of the thought or feeling. It will pass. You don't have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble or cloud.
- Explore: Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well. Notice your breathing and the sensations of your breathing. Notice the ground beneath you. Look around and notice what you see, what you hear, what you can touch, what you can smell. Right now. Then shift your focus of attention to something else - on what you need to do, on what you were doing before you noticed the worry, or do something else - mindfully with your full attention.
- If you already see a regular therapist, check in to see if they’re doing remote sessions during this time. Ask about Telehealth, a platform which offers video sessions similar to Skype or FaceTime, but with HIPAA compliance.
- Open Path offers a directory of affordable therapists based on your location and commits to video sessions during coronavirus.
- Inclusive Therapists offers a wide variety of mental health professionals based on identities you find important to feel seen, heard, and represented.
- From the National Alliance on Mental Health: “For anyone who is worried about access to prescribed medications, you can ask your health care provider about getting 90-day supplies vs. a 60 or 30-day supply. If this is not possible, we encourage you to refill your medications as soon as they are allowed. Note: If healthcare providers deny/decline making accommodations, challenge the decisions at least three times. Decision-makers on making health plan adjustments may change if/as conditions worsen.”
- CDC Subscription Service will provide you with verifiable information from the highest authority on the subject. Useful if a wide variety of information and (let’s face it) misinformation is overwhelming you.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990 provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine (800)-950-6264 Monday through Friday, between 7am-3pm
- Los Angeles-based NAMI Resources/call lines
- NAMI Warmline Directory -- A series of phone lines offering emotionally “warm” folks to talk to and connect with in times of crisis.
- CA numbers include:
- Contra Costa Crisis Center - (800) 833-2900, 24/7
- California Peer-run Warmline, (855) 845-7415, 24/7
- NAMI Orange County Warmline, (877) 910-9276, M-F 9am-3am; Sat-Sun 10am-3am
- San Joaquin Warmline, (209) 468-3585, 24/7
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Center 24/7 Helpline - (800) 854-7771
- Sliding scale clinics that provide low-income or, in some cases, free therapy:
- Wright Institute Los Angeles (West LA)
- 11845 W Olympic Blvd #505W, Los Angeles, CA 90064
- 424-371-5191
- Wila.org
- Maple Center - Beverly Hills (children and adults)
- 9107 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- (310) 271-9999
- Southern California Counseling Center (Mid City)
- 5615 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
- (323) 937-1344
- Rose City Counseling Center (Pasadena)
- 595 E Colorado Blvd #418, Pasadena, CA 91101
- (626) 793-8609
- The Relational Center (Culver City/Beverlywood area): individual counseling by phone/video only until further notice
- 2717 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034
- (323) 935-1807
- Offering online support groups to help with isolation related to coronavirus
- Care For Your Coronavirus Anxiety -- Articles, tools, and resources regarding this very specific anxiety so many of us folks are going through.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
- 7 Cups - Free listeners in supportive chat rooms, self-help guides, and affordable therapy resources.
- Pan Foundation - Affordable ways to secure your prescriptions.
- Mental Health Services for Families/Caregivers - Helping families and caregivers cope with COVID-19 from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
- Teen Mental Health Services - A list of affordable mental health services for California teens from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way foundation.
- Sex Work and COVID-19. Guidelines for Sex Workers,Clients, Third Parties, and Allies. Not LA Country specific but a helpful resource.
- Headspace LA: Sign up to access meditations, as well as sleep and movement exercises, designed to help you care for your mind — all free through 2020.
- Sex Work and COVID-19. Guidelines for Sex Workers,Clients, Third Parties, and Allies. Not LA Country specific but a helpful resource.
Resources for People of Color
- Inclusive Therapists A directory to help “connect people of all identities, abilities, and bodies with culturally sensitive care.” The website additionally offers trainings for clinicians on how to respond to racial trauma.
- The Nap Ministry is a project created by performance artist and poet Tricia Hersey to promote Black rest as a “form of reparations and resistance against burnout culture and capitalism.”
- Therapy for Black Girls An organization created Dr. Joy Harden Bradford to help combat stigma around and increase accessibility of therapy for Black women and girls. The website also links to a podcast and a directory of therapists.
- Sista Afya is a Chicago-based organization that provides women from across the Black diaspora with low-cost group therapy, workshops, events and a free online dialogue called Online Sista Support Groups.
- Dive in Well An organization founded by healer and entrepreneur Maryam Ajayi to create a more inclusive wellness industry. The organization offers donation-based online workshops and therapy centering self-care.
- Liberate Meditation App An app featuring mediations and talks designed for BIPOC folx to “reduce anxiety, stress less and sleep better.”
- The Loveland Foundation is an organization that supports Black women and girls and communities of color in accessing mental healthcare through providing financial assistance and ongoing support.
- Association of Black Psychologists Self-Care Tool Kit A tool kit offering resources for “FamilyCare, CommunityCare and SelfCare: Healing in the Face of Cultural Trauma”.
- The Okra Project has created a fund in honor of Nina Pop and Tony McDade to support mental health care for Black trans folx. The fund is currently seeking donations.
- Emotional Emancipation Circles: EECs are “evidence-informed, psychologically sound, culturally grounded, and community-defined self-help support groups designed to help heal the trauma caused by anti-Black racism.” This website offers information about virtual EECs currently being offered and support to Black-identified folx who may wish to start virtual Ubuntu Healing circles in response to the current situation,
- Each Mind Matters - Each Mind Matters was created to unite all of us who share a vision of improved mental health and equality. Their site Includes a list of resources which can assist organizations serving African Americans as well as individuals interested in information for themselves or for a loved one.
- BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) - A collective of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists, and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities. BEAM's mission is to remove the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing.
- California Black Women's Health Project - The California Black Women's Health Project (CABWHP) is the only statewide, non-profit organization that is solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy.
- National Trans and Queer Therapists of Color Network - National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is a healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).
- In the Meantime Men - In The Meantime Men’s Group, Inc. is purposed to enrich, empower, and extend the lives of intergenerational black men, respectful of sexual orientation, through social, educational, health and wellness programs and services.
- Melanin & Mental Health - Melanin & Mental Health® was born out of a desire to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. We are committed to promoting the growth and healing of our communities through our website, online directory, and monthly events.
- Black Women for Wellness - Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of Black Women and their families through education, empowerment and civic engagement
Resources for Seniors
- Jewish Family Services (multiple locations throughout LA county) offers comprehensive services for older adults including essential mental health services, transportation, fitness activities, community dining, home delivered meals, care management, in-home assessments, recreational activities and special services for Survivors of the Holocaust.
- The JFS Mental Health Services program (MHS) provides in-home and community based mental health services including psychotherapy, medication prescription/monitoring and case management for adults age 18 and over. These services are provided throughout LA County. Individuals with MediCal, Medicare/MediCal and low income with no insurance are eligible. Services are nonsectarian and available in English, Spanish, Russian, Farsi, and Hebrew.
(818) 432-5025. Please call for updated information on adaptations in service.
- Geriatric Evaluation Networks Encompassing Services Intervention Support Programs (GENESIS) - offers Field Capable Clinical Services (FCCS) to Older Adults, ages 60 and above. FCCS offers an alternative to traditional mental health services for older adults who may be unable to access services due to impaired mobility, frailty, or other limitations. Older Adults who may be uncomfortable seeking services in a traditional clinic, FCCS may be a welcome alternative.
- National Council on Aging - NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging connects community organizations with proven programs that help older adults manage their behavioral health and live full lives. Including webinars, resources and health programs.
- How to Avoid Isolation in a Time of Social Distancing - AARP article
LGBTQ+ Resources
- 9 Strategies for Quarantining in a Non-LGBTQ+ Affirming Environment
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network - Offers a directory of “QTPoC mental health practitioners across the country.”
- The Trevor Project- For LGBTQ+ youth experiencing crisis, you don’t have to leave your house just go to the website, call the TrevorLifeline 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or Text 678-678
- Chat room on website.
- TrevorSpace is a safe social networking space for LGBTQ+ kids ages 13-24.
- Trevor Support Center - where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions, and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more! Remember, if you need immediate support or help, Trevor’s counselors are just a phone call, chat, or text away.
- The LGBT Center Mental Health Resources - individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as psychiatric care. We operate one of the few programs to assist LGBT people involved in domestic and intimate partner abuse and violence.
- Latino Coalition for a Healthy California - focused mostly on the Trans immigrant experience but also has resources for all Trans health care.
Disability Community Resources
- LAUSD special education resources: https://achieve.lausd.net/page/16606
- National Autism Network Covid-19 resources for families: https://nationalautismassociation.org/covid-19-resources-for-families/
- UCLA Center for Autism Research and treatment compiled resources, both those specific for families with children with a disability as well as more general resources on mental health, education, etc. during covid-19: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/autism/covid-19-information
- UCLA Child and Adult Neurodevelopment (CAN) clinic is offering remote telehealth services for families of young children with ASD, support for parents of children recently diagnosed with ASD, and individual and family-based treatment services for school-aged children, adolescents, and adults that can help with anxiety, depression, social skills, behavioral regulation, etc. among individuals with autism: please contact us by phone: 310-794-4008 or by email: clinic@autism.ucla.edu.
- PEERS is a social skills intervention for adolescents and young adults with autism that is now being offered by UCLA through zoom: To learn more or enroll, contact: 310-267-3377 or peersclinic@ucla.edu.
- Long Beach Mutual Aide Spreadsheet
- How to Get On - A self-advocacy guide for anyone who is homebound or bed bound in the US. Special focus on folks with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (sometimes called “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”).
- Cancer Support Community - At home support for people facing cancer
- Cancer support groups and caregiver support groups for existing community members at CSCLA have been taken online. Intakes and new enrollments will be possible in coming weeks for a general online cancer support group facilitated by Thomas J. Pier, LCSW, which will begin by month’s end. People facing cancer as patient or caregiver, and living in the Los Angeles area, are encouraged to call to schedule an orientation and intake screening appointment. All participants must be screened, enrolled and consented for online support group participation.
- Steps Through OC - At home “Support for Life with Ovarian Cancer”
- Steps Through OC is a free, online six-month program consisting of 10 professional counseling sessions in tandem with education, referrals and other resources for any woman facing ovarian cancer, her family and/or active caregivers. Our goal is to support physical and emotional health so people feel, function and live well with OC, especially during this uncertain time.
Immigrants and Undocumented People
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) - Offers information in English and Spanish about the coronavirus and peoples’ right to medical care, regardless of immigration status.
- Central American Resource Center (CARACEN) - Information in English and Spanish about coronavirus, food centers, and resources for families during school closures.
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - “Encourages all to seek necessary medical treatment” and “will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis.” The rule urges immigrants who experience symptoms to seek medical help and assures the action will not negatively affect the process of seeking citizenship due to Public Charge.
- National Day Laborer Organizing Network #NDLON - Calls on local and national leaders to immediately adopt a plan for #WorkerMigrantJustice as part of the response.
- Latino Coalition for a Healthy California - Health resources for immigrants, including the undocumented. With specific resources also for undocumented Black, and API and Transgendered peoples.
- “The need for healing within immigrant communities is pervasive… we must address the criminalization and policing of undocumented communities and provide accessible social and emotional support services.” - Pol[ICE] in My Head
- Read about POL[ICE] IN MY HEAD
- Learn about UNDOCUHEALING
Unsheltered and Housing Insecure People
- UCLA Pritzker Center Free Speaker Series, particularly focused on well-being of families and youth involved in the foster care or justice systems -
- St. Francis Center - Since 1972, St. Francis Center has provided relief and support to homeless and extremely low-income individuals and families in Los Angeles. Much more than a soup kitchen or a food pantry, we offer a unique range of services to sustain and empower those in need and engaging volunteer opportunities Los Angeles. Welcoming all with joy, dignity and compassion, we dedicate ourselves every day to Serving Hope in our community.
- Resource Office/Case Management
- Walk-in services and/or in-person appointments are suspended. Guests will be assisted outside the center. Case management will be shortened to quick check-ins in the dining area or outside on Hope Street. Phone number: (213)747-5347. Address: 1835 South Hope Street
- US Interagency on Homelessness - COVD-19 resources
- Homeless Healthcare Los Angeles - Our behavioral health programs exist to elevate clients’ voices and advocate for their emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs through evidence-based, client-centered approaches to mind and body well-being.
- The People Concern Wellness Center - Strives to end homelessness and domestic violence by providing care and support for those experiencing it, though housing and integrated services tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
- 619 E 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Drop-in Support Group Services - 213-537-0822
- Safe Place for Youth - Youth 12-25 at-risk or experiencing homelessness, offering pro-bono mental health professionals, provides mental health services including counseling, crisis stabilization, mediation, grief and loss support, and anger management. Open during the Coronavirus Crisis. Call 310 902.2283, option 2.
Domestic Violence Resources
- #MeTooVoter response to COVID-19 for Sexual Assault Survivors
- Peace over Violence A sexual and domestic violence, intimate partner stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention center headquartered in Los Angeles. POV is committed to social service, social change and social justice.
- Central LA 213-626-3396
- South LA 310-392-08381
- Pasadena/ West San Gabriel Valley: 626-793-3385
- LA County DV Hotline: 800-978-3600 24/7
- For Youth 12-24: Call or text 424-209-2532 9am-5pm
- For Teens: Text TEEN to 839863 or www.teenlineonline.org - Offering teengaers to talk to fellow teengaers in times of crisis. Peer counselors 6pm-9pm.
- Domestic Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.) If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- For 24/7 immediate support or information on domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 (Spanish Available)
- For more resources and to chat online - National Domestic Abuse Hotline.
- D.A.R.T. provides free services to all domestic violence victims regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or immigration status.
- West Hollywood Domestic Violence Resources - for elder abuse, LGBTQ and general domestic violence resources.
- LGBT Center Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence Resources
- Sojourn Domestic Violence Services - The People’s Concern domestic violence program to provide, without prejudice, shelter and support services to adult and child victims of domestic violence.
- How Domestic Violence is Affecting LA Domestic Violence Cases - article
Parents and Caregivers
- Free musical concerts for families - Michael Teoli
- Family Caregiver Alliance - Committed to continuing to support caregivers through the evolving situation associated with the coronavirus
- Alzheimer’s Association - Tips for Dementia Caregivers during Coronavirus
- LA City Dept of Aging - Caregiver Resources for those caring for seniors
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Parent/Caregiver Guide to helping families cope with Coronavirus
- Autism Speaks - How to cope with disrupted routines and other resources
- Autism Response Team
- For one-on-one help and guidance, please contact 888-AUTISM2 or help@autismspeaks.org
- AARP - Caregiving Families resources and updates on Coronavirus
- Cedars Sinai Caregiver Support - For additional information, please contact Cedars-Sinai Supportive Care Medicine at 310-423-9520.
- SHIELD Mental Health Services for Families - Serves all families but with focus on immigrant families and families facing poverty.
Helpful Tips & Resources from a Mental Health Professional
Children are likely to have very different responses to this situation depending on their personality, age, family situation, and other mental health characteristics. Their reactions are also likely to change from one day to the next or even from the morning to afternoon.
Accept that your kids may have lots of feelings about this. They may be worried, mad, confused, whiny, melting down, etc. They may swing from happy and excited one day to moody the next. Invite their feelings with empathy but keep normal limits in place as they help kids feel secure. (e.g., sit with them kindly while they scream and cry but don't give in and give them those 8 cookies they asked for).
- Tips for parents on supporting their child's mental health by a psychologist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdKeau2huT4&app=desktop
- Coping skills for dealing with the coronavirus from a child therapist: https://copingskillsforkids.com/coping-with-coronavirus
- PBS kids resources and videos for talking with kids about coronavirus: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
- “Parenting in Anxious Times” by Janet Lansbury - A great introduction on how to start thinking about this situation, including a great podcast and a number of great parenting resources, especially for children 5 and under including how to manage challenging behaviors and anxiety, how to manage sibling conflict, how to set limits calmly, etc.
- INFORMING KIDS ON CORONAVIRUS - It's better to give kids information than leave them wondering. They'll come up with situations in their head much worse than the truth. What information to give them depends on their age and personality, and your own preferences as a parent.
- This is a great resource to start with to help you decide what information you do/don’t want to give them, and how to talk to kids from a perspective of supporting their mental health: How to talk to children about Coronavirus from the National Association of School Psychologists
- From PBS Kids: Daniel Tiger videos and other Sesame Street resources on talking about coronavirus
- EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS - Give kids opportunities to express their feelings in addition to the meltdowns:
- For older, kids, some resources for journaling and meditation (from CA Department of Education):
- Self-compassion journal
- 10 guided meditation resources for kids
- Journal apps, Online diaries, Digital scrapbooks
- Moodnotes Online Journaling
- How Journaling Can Improve Your Resiliency
- For younger kids, document and express feelings in whatever way works for them and your family. Some ideas:
- Invite them to draw pictures about how they are feeling or what they did today
- Take photos and make a scrapbook of your time during social isolation
- Take videos on your phone documenting what they are doing/feeling
- If you have dolls, people or animal toys, puppets, and/or doctor’s toys at home, make sure they are accessible to your kids and invite them to play if they want to. Let them lead the play and see what comes up.
- MAKE A ROUTINE - Kids who are in school or day care are used to having a routine for their day. Making your own routine at home will decrease your kids’ stress (and probably yours, too). This does not mean you need to plan your whole day, but just means there will be aspects of your day that your kids can predict every day. Kids also cooperate much better when they can predict their routine each day. Some ideas are:
- Start your morning with a “good-morning song”, check-in, movement time, or any other small, predictable routine that might remind your kids of school or day care.
- Have some predictable movement or outside time every day.
- Include a nap/rest/quiet period (depending on your kids’ age) at a predictable time every day. This also gives parents a little time to recharge.
- A special activity to look forward to on certain days of the week (e.g., cooking time on Wednesdays or messy art time on Mondays).
Parents - put on your own “oxygen masks” first. Kids are very sensitive to their parents’ stress so take advantage of the other resources in this guide to manage your own stress.
Other Activities
- Yale free online course, "The Science of Happiness", starts April 19th
- Organize a Watch Party - It’s important to keep up routines of social fellowship, which may have to transition to virtual set-ups. Here’s how you can watch your favorite videos with members of your groups, as if you’re having a TV party in real life!
- Game Pigeon -- If you use iMessage, the text messaging app for iPhones, you can play games with your contacts! From poker to pool to Battleship to Go, there are plenty of simple games to play -- and plenty of opportunities for friendly trash talk.
- Meet Up Digitally! Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Jitsi, Discord.
- Meditation and Mindfulness - Apps include: Aura, Calm, Headspace.
- Virtual Museum Tours - Visit 12 museums across the world with these.
- Make a list of what you can control: washing hands, taking vitamins, calling someone you love and keep to that list for senses of routine.
- Remember: It’s still okay to get outside and take walks around your local neighborhood, both for exercise and for staying connected to the outdoors.
- Explore your feelings, and don’t be afraid to let yourself feel them and express them in interesting ways. Therapist Lisa Olivera has a set of question prompts for journaling, creative expression, reminders of the importance of connection, and more.
- Host a virtual dinner
- Take a Free Course on the Science of Well-Being - Engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your happiness and build more productive habits.
- Take one of 450 free online courses in offered by Ivy League Schools.
- Listen to The Happiness Podcast - Featuring new episodes devoted to improving your well-being and mental health during the pandemic.
- Stream one of the Met’s Operas Daily offered by the famed opera house from now until they reopen its doors.
- Every day at noon PST, listen to a live 5 minute guided meditation followed by a talk with the world’s leading mediation teachers on Ten Percent Happier Live.