The year 2020 is going to be one that's talked about for generations to come. It will become the "when I was a kid, I had to walk to school in the snow" story of the time life locked down, and we had to reinvent how we did many things nearly overnight. Due to the global health crisis, we've had to move our work out of the office and into our homes. And that's if we were fortunate enough to be able to continue our employment virtually. Many of us doing so while our kids were under our feet trying to do their schoolwork through video meetings. It's no wonder our mental health took a bit hit, right?
With so much to juggle and access to care more challenging, there's been a surge of online or virtual care. Doctor appointments through video instead of the office, consultations being done over the phone, and more services to address the mental health that's taken a toll are being offered virtually as well.
According to Mental Health America, their data shows that 2020 was a hard year in terms of mental health for everyone. Some groups sought help more often than others due to the global health crisis and increased civil unrest.
"The number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed," Mental Health America reported. "From January to September 2020, 315,220 people took the anxiety screen, a 93 percent increase over the 2019 total number of anxiety screens. 534,784 people took the depression screen, a 62 percent increase over the 2019 total number of depression screens."
For anyone looking for resources and support to take care of their mental health needs, we've compiled several virtual or online resources that are available.
Anyone concerned that someone may harm themselves or someone else, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the toll-free number 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If you feel overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. If it is an emergency, please call your local emergency line.
National Parent Helpline
Being a parent is not easy. We have to navigate many stresses between our own lives and shoulder a lot for our kids, too. That's why this helpline is a necessary resource. The hotline is for any parent who needs "support from a trained Advocate and become empowered and a stronger parent."
For more information, visit: National Parent Helpline
Trevor Space
Trevor Space is a site sponsored by The Trevor Project. It offers support to young people who identify in the LGBTQ+ spectrum and need support or advice. The service offers a community of people who understand the issues that arise in the LGBTQ+ community and offer peer-to-peer advice and general tips on how to navigate those feelings.
For more information, visit: Trevorspace
The Motherhood Center
The Motherhood Center offers support for parents to get through the hard times. They offer support groups for new moms, a day program for those dealing with mood and/or anxiety symptoms getting in the way of happiness, and individual support for those needing someone to hear them out. Their webinars are also all virtual for anyone who's looking to connect,
For more information, visit: The Motherhood Center
BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers virtual online counseling with qualified professionals. The purpose of the service was to allow anyone who needs help to access affordable care that's also discreet and convenient. The service isn't free, but it's far more affordable than typical in-person counseling without losing valuable resources.
For more information, visit: BetterHelp
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America helps connect people to resources in their area. Instead of spending valuable time researching credible resources and risking slow access to help, all the information needed is offered. The site offers information to help get started on the track to better mental health for the whole family.
For more information, visit: ADAA
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers free-of-charge access to a professional 24/7. The resource helps gather access to resources in the area, develop a safety plan to leave home, and guide those struggling. The trained advocates are also available through the 24/7 chatline.
For more information, visit: The Hotline
Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous Nationwide Conference Call
The Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous Nationwide Conference Call helps people link up with others living with the same mental health conditions. This helps bridge services and offers a lifeline for those who feel isolated due to their mental health struggles. The conference call is free of charge and is ideal for those familiar with the 12-step meeting process.
For more information, visit: Obsessive Compulsive Anonymous
LiveWell
LiveWell help provides resources and support for individuals dealing with depression. While it doesn't provide emergency services, it does offer peer-led mental health services for a wide and diverse population in need. The support comes at no cost, and virtual support groups are available.
For more information, visit: LiveWell Foundation
TheTribe
TheTribe offers a "peer-to-peer support group for those coping with fear and stress associated with various anxiety disorders," the site reads. This resource is more like a social media platform aimed at people who struggle with anxiety to foster a community of people who can support one another through it since they live it.
For more information, visit: TheTribe
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous has been a trusted resource for people struggling with alcohol addiction for a long time. The organization offers virtual and online support for people needing some guidance. The organization welcomes everyone and any age, with no fees or dues required.
For more information, visit: AA
Al-Anon
For people who have an alcohol addiction in their lives, but it's a family member or close friend who is the alcoholic, support is available for them. Al-Anon supports people who have had their lives impacted by others' alcohol addictions. There are group meetings held worldwide to discuss coping strategies and connect with others who understand.
For more information, visit: Al-Anon
Breathe2Relax
Sometimes all we need to get through a stressful moment is a reminder that it's time to breathe. The Breathe2Relax app teaches people how to do diaphragmatic breathing to lower stress. The app also has a section to record stress levels, educational videos on stress, and guided breathing sessions.
For more information, visit: Breathe2Relax for Apple iPad
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide
An app that helps the user work mindfully on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) allows for monitoring and tracking moods to keep tabs on clinical depression. The app also offers a motivational point system to keep the user engaged, relaxation audio to promote reduced stress, and education on coping techniques to battle depression.
For more information, visit: Depression CBT Self-Help Guide for Android
Talkspace
Talkspace makes it possible to speak to a trained and professional therapist whenever needed. It offers both individual and couples therapy right from the comfort of your own home. The app is free to download, and users can text with a therapist for a low fee. There are some service plans available, too.
For more information, visit: Talkspace
Samaritans Crisis Hotline
The Samaritans' Crisis Hotline is monitored by trained volunteers who are available 24/7, free of charge. This isn't designed to be in place of professional therapy, but aims to bridge the gap in care and bring a compassionate ear, free of charge, when needed to get through a tough moment.
For more information, visit: Samaritans Crisis Hotline
Turn2Me
Turn2Me is an online support group that's facilitated by a mental health professional. This online support offers guidance for navigating stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. The sessions are free to use, and a qualified professional is there to help. Still, a reservation is needed in advance of the group sessions.
For more information, visit: Turn2Me
