MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
For Additional Member Support Please Contact:
Traci Young, Community Services Director Contra Costa Labor Council, AFL‑CIO Labor Liaison to United Way Bay Area
Phone: 415.505.4351
Email: tyoung@uwba.org
(The page is divided into two sections Resources and Recommendations)
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
NATIONAL TOLL-FREE 24 HOUR HOTLINES:
Child-Help USA at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) Assists both child and adult survivors of abuse, including sexual abuse. The hotline, staffed by mental health professionals, also provides treatment referrals.
Covenant House Nineline at 1-800-999-9999 Crisis counselors are available to talk to homeless individuals and at-risk kids; also offer an on-line forum.
Boys Town at 1-800-448-3000 Crisis, resource, and referral line that assists both teens and parents
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) connects you with a 24 hour crisis center
SAMHSA's Treatment Locator at 1-800-662-4357 provides you with information about local mental health services.
For help and resources in your area: Call 2-1-1 or 211.org/
For Mental Health Emergencies or Crisis Dial 9-1-1
SUPPORT GROUPS
Self-help groups are self-governing groups made up of individuals who share the same or a similar concern or issue. Members provide emotional support and advice to each other. Typically membership is free or involves only a minimal fee or donation.
• Adult Children of Alcoholics
• American Association of Retired Persons Grief and Loss Information
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
• Overeaters Anonymous Offer in-person, telephone, and on-line meetings
• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
• Postpartum Support International
• S.A.F.E. Alternatives (Information and resources for help with self injury)
• Additional Groups: https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups
WELLNESS APPS
• Calm
• Headspace: Meditation & Sleep
• Ten Percent Happier Meditation
• Buddhify
• Unplug
MEDITATION ONLINE RESOURCES
WORKPLACE ACTIVITIES
Challenge misconceptions, start conversations and change attitudes around mental health and advocate for wellness. https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/take-action/resources-your-workplace/activities-your workplace#toc-3
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS SELF-CARE RECOMMENDATIONS
Engaging in a self-care routine has been proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more.
Sensory
When you feel stressed and need a calm mind, try focusing on the sensations around you — sights, smells, sounds, tastes, touch. This will help you focus on the present moment, giving you a break from your worries.
Breathe in fresh air
Snuggle under a cozy blanket
Listen to running water
Sit outdoors by a fire pit, watching the flames and listening to the night sounds
Take a hot shower or a warm bath
Cuddle with a pet
Pay attention to your breathing
Burn a scented candle
Wiggle your bare feet in overgrown grass
Stare up at the sky
Lie down where the afternoon sun streams in a window
Listen to music
Emotional
Dealing with our emotions can be challenging when we’re coping with stress. We tend to label emotions as “good” or “bad,” but this isn’t helpful. Instead:
Accept your feelings. They’re all OK.
Write your feelings down
Cry when you need to
Laugh when you can (try laughter yoga)
Practice self-compassion
Learning
Distracting yourself by learning a new skill or discovering a new topic will help to take your mind off of your stress. If you find the subject interesting, talking about it with friends and family will help you to remember it and expand your knowledge.
Take a Class
Learn a new craft
You-Tube DIY
Spiritual
Getting in touch with your values — what really matters — is a sure way to cope with stress and foster a calm mind. Activities that people define as spiritual are very personal.
Attend a place of worship
Read poetry or inspiring quotes
Light a candle
Meditate
Write in a journal
Spend time in nature
Pray
List five things you are grateful for
Enjoyment
A great way to take care of yourself when you’re coping with stress is to engage in a pleasurable activity.
Take yourself outside to eat
Be a tourist in your city virtually
Go on a drive
Garden
Watch a movie
Create art or do a craft project
Journal
Walk your dogs
Go for a photo walk
Mental WEllness
Give yourself a boost by doing a task that you’ve been avoiding or challenge your brain in a new way. This can also boost self-confidence.
Meditate
Clean out a junk drawer or a closet
Take action (one small step) on something you’ve been avoiding
Try a new activity
Drive to a new place
Make a list
Try a crossword puzzle or word search