Encouraging Resources For World Mental Health Day

When it comes to mental health, I think it’s important to acknowledge that there is not one solution or magic answer that works for everyone. We have all faced struggles this year and the lack of physical interaction and routine has definitely taken its toll on everyone. Here are a few things that have helped me.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help.

• We truly are better together. As an introvert, I can tend to forget this a lot, but maintaining meaningful friendships is key for our mental health.

Calming songs can help when life feels out of control.

• Relaxing music can also be so helpful when sleep has become elusive.

If you have insurance, check to see if an Employee Assistance Program is included in your policy.

• Many policies (this is mine) include free confidential counseling sessions.

Look into calming apps like Abide and Whispers from God.

• Apps like this have been very calming for me during times when I have struggled with anxiety, grief, and insomnia.

Check out the compelling connection between nutrition and mental health.

• Obviously this will not be a factor in everyone’s mental health struggles, but the connection between gut health and mental health is one that is not talked about enough.

If you enjoy reading, Max Lucado’s You Are Never Alone is a good one and these Bible verses are good to meditate on.

Free resources from the National Institue of Mental Health

• Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 1-888-628-9454. The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects callers to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.

Crisis Text Line

• Text “HELLO” to 741741. The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.

Veterans Crisis Line

• Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can call 1-800-799-4889.

If you ever need someone to listen, even if we’ve never met, shoot me a message or email me at theplankingtraveler@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading,

Emily