#alonetogether
Living in the unusual time of COVID-19 means that we have each had to make changes we didn’t see coming, and in a short amount of time.
Here at Mental Health Connecticut (MHC), our greatest concern is for the wellbeing of our program participants, staff, supporters, community partners, and families across the state who are uncertain about the future. As the cases of COVID-19 rise, so does our anxiety, which could have long-lasting impact on our health.
To increase support for our Connecticut friends and neighbors, we are joining groups across the world that will promote self-care and support each other while we are #AloneTogether. Keep scrolling to find many resources, Connecticut-based and beyond, and be sure to check out our MHC@Home Series for online workshops and MHC’s YouTube channel for all our webinars and videos.
While MHC staff and program participants practice safe physical distancing and self-care, find ways to strengthen our social connections, and minimize feelings of isolation, know that we are hard at work in finding ways to also support the Connecticut community at-large. If you have ideas for how we can do this or need something specific created for your business or organization, please reach out by email at RLutz@mhconn.org. To directly impact our program participants, please consider making a donation to our COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Presented by MHC’s Chief Experience Officer, Remi Kyek on April 16, 2020
MHC@Home Series – As we all do our part to flatten the curve through self-isolation and practicing healthy habits, many of us @home are facing new challenges. While some are homeschooling their children for the first time, suddenly out of work, worried about the future, or feeling the weight of isolation — it’s safe to say that all of us are looking for ways to remain mentally strong while taking care of our physical health.
Mental Health Connecticut is here to help. Check out our MHC@Home Series of workshops for wellness resources, activities, and tips for boosting your mental health.
National Updates on COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
World Health Organization
Connecticut Updates on COVID-19
CT Department of Health
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – General Information for Connecticut
State of Connecticut – For the latest information, resources, and guidance related to coronavirus
Information & Resources to Help Communities #LiveUnited During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment and Resources During COVID-19
Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources from Mental Health America
Addiction Treatment During The COVID-19 Pandemic
National Council for Behavioral Health Resources for COVID-19
NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwestern CT – El bienestar emocional en el tiempo del COVID
Family Resources
Talking to Children about COVID-19
Animated video explaining COVID-19
Parenting during COVID-19
Scholastic Learn at Home – Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers.
Self-Care
Managing Anxiety and Stress
Self-Help Tools from Mental Health America
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of UncertaintyHow to practice self-care during coronavirus. 15 ways to practice self-care
Check In At Home – Jordan Porco Foundation
How to protect your mental health during social distancing
How to cope with financial stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic
How to fight the social isolation of coronavirus
Looking for someone to talk to
– Crisis Text Line – In crisis? Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support in the US from a trained Crisis Counselor.
– 2-1-1 Connecticut – The 2-1-1 info hotline is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline is for general questions about COVID-19. If you’re experiencing symptoms, contact your medical provider.
– Stamford Health’s COVID-19 Hotline 203-276-4111 – Stamford Health care team members are available at this number 7 days a week, from 7:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Hartford HealthCare COVID-19 Hotline: 860-972-8100 or toll-free 833-621-0600 or Text Message: Text COVID19 to 31996 – Callers may speak with HHC clinical experts for answers to questions.
Looking for something (virtual) to do
Virtual Recovery and Support Groups
SAMHSA’s guide to virtual recovery resources
Toivo’s online classes
e-based Advocacy Unlimited resources
Digital Social Support and Connection Options
American Addiction Centers Virtual Support Meetings
Dance
Dance Alone Together – Free dance classes (multiple available per day). Move. Create. Watch.
305 Fitness – 12 noon and 6:00 p.m. daily YouTube cardio/dance classes
Fitness
The Edge Fitness – Multiple online workouts hosted per day via Facebook
Blink Fitness – Weekday virtual workouts at 8:00 a.m. via Facebook
Orangetheory – Daily YouTube workout videos
Peloton – Free 90 day trail of Peloton’s fitness series for new users
Gold’s Gym – Free access to fitness app through end of May
Planet Fitness– Live stream 20 minute “work-ins” every day at 7:00 p.m. via Facebook
Meditation and Yoga
Cooper Beech Institute – Live Zoom meditation classes, each day at 12:30 p.m.
Do Yoga With Me – Free 2 month subscription to yoga classes for those quarantined by COVID-19
Core Power Yoga – Free access to collection of yoga videos
Music and Entertainment
You Can Virtually ‘ride’ These Disney Attractions From The Comfort Of Your Living Room – If you’re looking for something to do during this extended downtime, how about a Disney park day? Everyone can wear their favorite Disney T-shirts. Make some popcorn and gather around the TV to experience these popular Disney attractions!
You Can Watch Broadway Musicals for Free – For a 7-day free trial, viewers can log onto BroadwayHD.com and access a wide catalog of classic and new musicals, including Cats, The King and I, and Sound of Music. After the free trial, viewers can continue to use the site for a reasonable $8.99 a month.
Audible is offering free streams on a select number of children’s stories across six languages to keep kids “dreaming, learning, and just being kids.” The service will be available for as long as schools are closed.
Free Resources to Make Music – From Korg to Native Instruments, manufacturers are outdoing themselves in their efforts to enable you to make the most of this enforced time at home.
Virtual National Park Visits – Take a trip to a national park from wherever you are! Many national park sites across the country offer digital tours and experiences that you can access anytime, anywhere.
Staying Connected #AloneTogether
Become an MHC StoryKeeper – Pledge to Be There, Listen, and Protect the stories you are told from those in your community. Receive monthly updates on resources and tips mindful and active listening.
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Follow us on Twitter – Share your wellness updates and tag @MentalHealthCT!
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Follow us on LinkedIn – For professional updates and workplace wellness resources, connect with MHC!
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