Hey you. This worldwide pandemic is a lot. Nobody is showing us HOW to do this... How to cope... I get you!!!! You may have been going through a lot of your own craze before it came. It may have made you notice things you are uncomfortable with in your life. You may be struggling right now... and Im just here to say, “You are NOT alone”. No matter what you are going through and experiencing at this time, You are seen. If you are reading this, please give yourself a pat on the back and tell yourself “Good job _______". You’re doing the best you can! You are thee bomb! That's already a big step. Give yourself some credit and check out these Mental Health resources below that I have gathered for us fam!
Let’s take action to begin OUR own collective healing. I know therapy can be something scary to explore, especially in our communities. People do not feel safe opening up about issues affecting them to "strangers". However, we do this ALL THE TIME when we seek out and meet doctors/ nurses/ specialists for everything medical. So let's be real. We do this to invest in our health.Why not do the same to invest in your mental stability as your mental influences your physical? That excuse is not working over here anymore boo!
Therapists/ Psychotherapists/ Social Workers/ Counselors are actually licensed and professionally trained to help others improve the quality of their life, understand and better grasp a healthy way of thinking, behaving, and expressing emotions. This does not mean they are better than you or know you better than yourself. Thats why you will work with them. Therapists help those struggling with difficult feelings, mental health issues, trauma, boundaries, life and work stressors, diagnoses, etc. to better cope and manage themself. They help hold you accountable and to be more intentional and practice healthy habits. It gives you a time to focus on you, and to just come to someone who sees you without any extra bias, projections or judgement because you actually don't know them! That's actually the good part! They are going to keep it real with you, and help you with YOUR thoughts. No advice because this is your life - just help in clearing your mind through guidance, encouragement, reassurance, and winning!!! If it also helps - all therapists also are told to see their own therapists, so we all need support!
2020 was the pandemic onset year when so many things became more hard, and now more than ever - we are fighting a tough fight to stay on top of ourselves. This is the time that we need to be real with our selves, and also take steps to evolve and grow as a community. Why not get your mental health balanced ? We can do this honey! Take Baby steps!!! Start off with looking for some counseling, coping skills and then these resources I share below! These are NYC friendly, but are open to anyone honestly as things are also virtual now. Keep scrolling down and actually click on something to learn more.
This can be an active blog post (updated every few months as I receive more resource contributions from the community).
HOTLINES:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential support for anybody; people in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. To get help, text HELP to 741741, call 1-800-273-8255, or chat online with a counselor at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
If you’re thinking about harming yourself, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) for immediate mental health support.
The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQIA+ Support) offers free, immediate assistance from trained counselors to individuals experiencing crises, feeling suicidal, or looking for a safe place to talk. To get connected, text START to 678678, call 1-866-488-7386, or visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/ to chat online with a counselor.
For anybody who is an international student please see the list of international mental health support hotlines and helplines by country: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
Substance Use and Addiction has also increased during the pandemic as a coping mechanism, and can easily turn into misuse. If this is something you are concerned about, make a plan to educate yourself, and begin to seek help for your recovery as you will learn new ways to cope.
-Here are some Substance Misuse & Common Disorders to learn about.
(contributed by the Columbus Recovery Center) :
-Here is more information from: Addiction Center regarding the management of addictions and stats for all people who fall into BIPOC, as well as their treatment center information. Please check out this site for the resources they provide!
-Rehab Spot: an informational hub regarding different addictions and inpatient or outpatient treatment and support for you. This website provides different rehabilitation connections so that you can seek treatment according to your needs.
- Delphi Behavior Health Group : This org provides helpful Facility Treatment for All Levels of Addiction issues; as well as tips and support for all individuals struggling with their own addiction or family living with addiction. https://delphihealthgroup.com/our-services/
For any General Mental Health Support, Groups or if you just want to browse:
* NYC Well: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/
* NYC Health & Hospitals: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/mental-health-services/
* Ayana Therapy: https://www.ayanatherapy.com
* Hitesite community resources: https://hitesite.org/search?category=12
Give an Hour: Https://giveanhour.org/get-help/#providerSearch
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/
Therapy Tribe: https://www.therapytribe.com/
Good therapy: Https://www.goodtherapy.org/find-therapist.html
NYC Therapy: https://nyctherapy.com/teletherapy-manhattan-nyc/
NYC Affirmative Psychotherapy: https://www.nycaffirmativepsychotherapy.com/fees-and-policies
Open Path Collective: https://openpathcollective.org
Groups:
* NAMI NYC support Groups for people living with Mental Health condition:
* NAMI NYC Classes:
* Black Minds Matter Support Group (NAMI)
Peer support for people who identify as Black and are living with mental illness or any mental health condition. Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 6 to 7:30pm.
Connect via Zoom
To join by phone, dial 646-558-8656, Meeting ID: 816 0812 5182, Password: 304462
*Push Past, Push Past Pain Support Group - A multi-trauma support group that provides a safe space for women to aid them in their healing by pushing past the past pain.
More resources are below specifically for anyone apart of the Black Diaspora, Pan African Diaspora… aka my Black People! Includes resources for LGBTQIA+ additional supports and resources in counseling and coping. We do not deserve to struggle in our search for service providers who look like us and understand our experience:
Therapy For Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/about/
Therapy For Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org
Therapy for Latinx background: https://latinxtherapy.com
Dr. Jen Mullan: https://www.drjennifermullan.com/services-offered
Life Matters: Therapy and Psychological Testing https://www.lifematterspsychologicalsvcs.com
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color: https://www.nqttcn.com/directory
Inclusive Therapists: https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
Taraji P Henson’s Mental Health foundation: https://borislhensonfoundation.org
Melanin and Mental Health: Https://melaninandmentalhealth.com
Straight Up Counseling: https://www.straightupcounseling.com/
Just Speak Freely Therapy: https://www.justspeakfreely.com/
Black Men Heal: https://blackmenheal.org/services/
Harriet’s Apothecary: http://www.harrietsapothecary.com
Black Mental Wellness: https://www.blackmentalwellness.com
Soulcare Collective: https://soulcarecollective.org
Black Mental Health: https://blackmentalhealth.com/connect-with-a-therapist/
The Okra Project: https://www.theokraproject.com
Black Female Therapists Directory: https://www.blackfemaletherapists.com/directory
Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective (BEAM): https://www.beam.community/bvtn
Association of Black Psychologists: https://www.abpsi.org/find-psychologists/New-York/
Sista Afya: https://www.sistaafya.com/resources-information
Ethels Club: https://www.ethelsclub.com
Thank you For Breathing org: https://www.thankyouforbreathing.com
Heal Haus: https://www.healhaus.com/offerings/
Sad Girls Club: https://sadgirlsclub.org/subscribe-1
Inspirational Self care Readings especially for Activists: http://www.poconlineclassroom.com/self-care/
Phone Apps for coping with emotions, stress, anxiety, etc you can use on the go:
Betterhelp
Talkspace
Sanvello
All Mental Health
Ginger
COA
Litesprite
Shine
Calm
Meditation Made Easy
Funding MH resources and therapy:
I hope this helps!! Give yourself a shot! I promise it will be an amazing experience…not 100 % easy, but quite the adventure you SHOULD take. Like Bey’ said.. “Step into your Power”. You got this!
Wear your masks, wash your hands and protect yourself. Be well.
[updated: 9/29/21]
written by:
Melissa from "Naturealizta.Beauty"
-Licensed Mental Health Counselor
-Digital Content Creator for Natural Hair, Beauty & Self-Care
-Freelance NYC MUA & BrowWerk
-Owner of Self care line: "Natureal Essentials" www.naturealessentials.com
*FB/IG/ Youtube: "Naturealizta.Beauty"*