Whether you’re in isolation or putting yourself in danger to pay the bills, these times are weighing heavy on all of us. Self-care and finding support have never been more important.
If you or someone near you are thinking of harming themselves or others, consider these guidelines:
DO NOT:
Call 911 if you can help it. It’s anyone’s guess whether they’ll dispatch the police or an ambulance. Law enforcement has a history of mishandling these situations and can put lives in more danger.
Panic or blame yourself for the situation.
DO:
Be prepared for a crisis (via the National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Talk to a mental health professional (or your PCP!) if one is available. Tell professionals and the people around you what's going on and get their advice.
Go to the ER if it is critical. Bring a family member or trusted friend if you can.
Call a crisis hotline:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or chat online
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
If you are admitted somewhere: remember to read any paperwork you sign, and ask someone to explain to you anything you don't understand.
If you already have a therapist or other mental health provider, talk to them about how you can move your appointments to telehealth (See the Physical Health section for a definition of Telehealth). If you are new to therapy, remember to check with your health insurance provider if you have one to find out if telehealth is covered. Lots of places are changing their policies during the pandemic. And remember that lots of places let you pay on a sliding scale if you don’t have insurance.
Check out the following online options:
Meridian Behavioral Health (Louisville)
Find a therapist in Louisville and call to see if they have telehealth options: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
Coping with stress and taking care of yourself will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Sometimes, this can look like the basic stuff you already know about: eating healthy, moving your body, keeping a regular routine. But you need to nourish your heart and soul as well. Here are some ideas:
#1: TURN OFF THE NEWS!! Give yourself a break from the constant horror. And after that, try some of these activities:
Salt baths
Meditation
Yoga
Reading
Writing
Singing
Making music
Journaling
Catching up on shows
Knitting
Crocheting
Crafting
Take walks
Making art
Learning a new language
Coloring books
Stay connected with friends & family
Cook or bake something new
Board games or puzzles
Gardening
Drink lots of water
Some more tips and apps for staying sane during isolation:
Download a meditation app:
Awaken (specifically for social justice-minded folks!!!)
Narcotics Anonymous, Louisville Area: 502-569-1769
Greater Louisville Intergroup of Alcoholic Anonymous: 502-582-1849
Safer Drug Use During COVID-19 Outbreak (please share with those fighting addiction)
Syringe Services and Harm Reduction Provider Operations During the COVID-19 Outbreak