Physical and Mental Health

If you are feeling lonely, isolated or down because of Covid-19, it's okay to ask for help. You can call or text for free and confidential help, available 24/7. The number to call is 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600. Or you can text...Text PA to 741-741.

"The City of Philadelphia and Independence Blue Cross are part of the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. With you and other partners, we’ll continue to fight stigma and provide support for people with mental health challenges and their families." Visit mindPHLtogether.com to access available mental health resources

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Please access their website for more on their offerings here https://www.nami.org/Home

To aid individuals and communities during this time, Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information to help combat the stresses of this pandemic. Find them here https://mhanational.org/covid19

Resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration

The website Calm.com has created a list of FREE tools you can use to support your mental and emotional wellness through this time. Take a look at their meditation and mindfulness resources by clicking the link below.

Calm

Use the Calm Calendar for a bite-sized mindfulness activity to do daily.

Next time you are feeling anxious, try using Calm's anxiety Hack called the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise. Use the video below to guide you through.

Chill out and take in the beautiful sights of the Schuylkill Banks of Philadelphia in this 15 minute 4K video.

Check out the AllTrails website or App to bring yourself closer to nature. "100,000+ trails. 20 million explorers. Endless memories. The beauty of nature doesn’t need to be hard to find. Our goal is simple - build the largest collection of hand-curated trail guides, so you can explore the outdoors with confidence. Anytime. Anywhere." https://www.alltrails.com/

While lounging around might be just what some of us need, some others might need to get their bodies moving! YouTube is a great resource for finding all types of free workout videos for all physical abilities. Want to try some beginner Yoga? How about a wheelchair or seated workout (adaptive Zumba, anyone?) Need something high intensity? www.YouTube.com is the place to search!

Planet Fitness has started the "United We Move." campaign showcasing free daily live streams of workouts you can do at home! Find out more information here https://www.planetfitness.com/united-we-move

Self-Care is extremely important in all times of life (especially particularly stressful times). Check out the infographic below for Steps to Self-Care created by the University Of Buffalo School of Social Work. And while the graphic is titled "How to Flourish in Social Work" these steps can be useful for all of us.

University of Buffalo School of Social Work also has a Self-Care Starter Kit which can be found here http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit.html

Action for Happiness puts out an Action Calendar each month with daily tasks you can do to create a happier and kinder world. They also have a new mobile app available for download. "The app is like having a little personal action coach in your pocket who: Gives you friendly 'nudges' with an action idea each day; Sends you inspiring messages to give you a boost; Helps you connect & share ideas with like-minded people."

Sometimes the ocean air can be just what we need to clear our minds and find some peace. Through a collaboration between the members of the Atlantic County Disability Advisory Board, and the Office of Disability Services, Atlantic County has created the 1st Edition Accessible Beach Guide. View the beach guide below. You can also view it via the Ventnor City Website.

Atlantic County, NJ Accessible Beach Guide

Do good for your body and mind, take Upper Darby's Underground Railroad Trail Walking Tour, where you will learn about 8 Underground Railroad sites on this 4.5 miles walk. Find the guide here.

Getting outside for fresh air and vitamin-D is important for our mental and physical health. But it's also important to remember to maintain physical distance from others while outside. See above for some helpful tips and reminders.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania has created a video series called COMMIT TO FIT. Check out their athletes sharing some tips on exercising and full workout sessions! https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicspa

Ellen Bard with Tiny Buddah wrote an article titled "45 Simple Self-Care Practices for a Healthy Mind, Body and Soul" Check out her suggestions here https://tinybuddha.com/blog/45-simple-self-care-practices-for-a-healthy-mind-body-and-soul/

ADvancing States has created a guide addressing social isolation for older adults during the COVID-19 Crisis. Find it here...

Addressing Social Isolation for Older Adults

The Wellness Society Supported by Jamma International created a Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook to help through this difficult time. You can find the workbook here https://thewellnesssociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook.pdf

These Mental Health Resources Were Created For the AAPI Community, and They're Available If You Need Help

Mental Health Resources in the LGBTQ Community

Black Philadelphia therapists are raising funds to provide Free therapy to BIPOC in response to the emotional distress and trauma people are facing right now. If you are interested in donating, please do so by using the link below.

Donate to Black Therapists Healing the Black Community Through Therapy

You can also read an article from WHYY to learn more on their initiative and how to find services should you be in need.

Black Philly therapists are raising $15K to provide free mental health resources to people of color

Goodfull on Buzzfeed curated a list of inclusive and intersectional Mental Health Resources for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Picture by Charlotte Gomez / BuzzFeed

13 Inclusive Therapy And Mental Health Resources For BIPOC

Beam is 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. Learn more and access free toolkits at their website https://www.beam.community/

Dominee over at https://www.blessingmanifesting.com/ is a self-care blogger who creates helpful graphics for self-care, self-love and mental health. Check out her web page and her Instagram @blessingmanifesting for more helpful ideas.

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by Tim Goedhart - "Out of everything optional, this one is least optional! This wall is found in the center of Amsterdam!" • ubcmio - "mountains trail stream" • Sam Owoyemi - "untitled image" • madison lavern - "I met a beautiful soul, Victoria. She shines in the light, her soul escapes through her skin to show us all who she is. yogagen.co @yogagenapp" • Le Minh Phuong - "http://en.falundafa.org/"