2020. The year that is proving to be an enormous challenge. The political landscape has been ugly, the coronavirus has changed lives radially and now there is an election looming. Unless you have been living on a tropical island it is impossible to be unaffected. In the spring in the early stages of the virus when lives were starting to change mental health practitioners were concerned for the mental health of the public, but with exceptions the anticipated problems were not as awful as expected. But now on the eve of a brutally ugly election and a fractured country signs of people succumbing to depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and more are increasing. From the NYTImes:
A poll released by the American Psychological Association showed that 76 percent of Democrats and 67 percent of Republicans are finding the 2020 election to be a significant source of stress.
So what to do?
There are many resources available to help – free – many easily located on the internet. Some are diversions, some are purpose created. The most important point is if you are struggling don’t try and tough it out. Take a few minutes to look after yourself.
Here is a small list of excellent resources.
Phone / Text Lines
Crisis Text Line A free, anonymous text line that supports when you are overwhelmed. Trained councilors will help you get to a better place through listening and sharing of resources. Done by texting or Facebook messenger. A great and useful service!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline They are not just for suicide prevention but if you are in emotional crisis and need to talk to someone on the telephone they are there for you. If texting isn’t your thing this an excellent resource.
Online
Calm’s Breathing Gif helps if you are feeling stressed or anxious and helps in calming and re-centering.
Pixel Thoughts is a 60 second “meditation” that helps you calm and refocus.
New York Times has an election night distractor. This may be behind a paywall, but it is worth one of the 5 articles they give readers a month.
NYTimes also has a list of tips to relieve anxiety. It includes connecting with nature, using aromatherapy (i.e. lavender and other calming, feel good smells), trying 5 finger breathing, and other fun and calming ideas:
NEW – 10 Tips for Handling Seasonal Affective Disorder, COVID-19 and Post-Election Aftermath This Winter Really helpful article with simple suggestions for things you can do to get through everything right now.
Apps
My Life is an app that has mindfulness activities that moves you away from stress and checks in with you on progress.
Mindful has a list of free mindfulness apps that are also worth checking out.
Other
As well as these dedicated resources there are numerous others ways to get rebalanced. Walking, turning off media, drawing or coloring are just some distractions as well as relaxing videos (nature shows, stream running, jelly cam, kitten cam, puppy cam) are good to watch and get lost in.
Whatever you do, if you are feeling anything less than yourself take 15 minutes and have a mental health break, and take care of yourself. Especially if you live alone, are older, or just really don’t feel ‘normal’. Life is stressful, it isn’t like it was, and everyone is a little tired.
No one is more important than you!
Note: the list will be added to as other free and useful resources are found.
