Our panelists from the COVID Questions: Mental Health virtual forum recommended some resources to help people with mental well-being during the pandemic. Here are some of them:
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: Published by The Wellness Society, this step-by-step guide is designed to help you reduce anxiety and be more resilient through the pandemic.
COVID Marginal Gains Booklet: A downloadable resource to help people deal with anxiety, isolation and loneliness, working from home, managing remote teams, parenting in lockdown and more. Published by The Career Psychologist.
The RAIN Method: Recognize, allow, investigate, nurture — RAIN is an easy-to-remember acronym for practicing mindfulness and compassion in any circumstances, but can be especially helpful now.
Pandemic shaming: Is it helping us keep our distance? A thoughtful article from The Guardian about people shaming others for their improper pandemic practices.
Find a therapist: Enter your ZIP code to find a detailed listing of therapists who practice near you.
How to ask someone if they are okay
Less direct approach:
- “Have you been unhappy lately?
Have you been very unhappy lately?
Have you been so very unhappy lately that you’ve been
thinking about ending your life?” - “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake
up?”
Direct approach
- “You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be,
they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if
you’re feeling that way, too?” - “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
How NOT to ask the suicide question
- “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?”
- “You wouldn’t do anything stupid would you?”
- “Suicide is a dumb idea. Surely you’re not thinking about suicide?”
What to do if they’re not okay
- Listen, Listen, Listen!
- Withhold judgment
- Offer hope
- Work together to figure out a plan for help
Getting help
Get connected with a mental health professional
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741741
Get additional supports involved: Friends, family, clergy, therapist, doctor etc.