Mental Health Information and Support
If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself, herself, or themselves, text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7 at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Just need to talk to someone? Warmlines give people support when they just need to talk to someone. Speaking to someone on these calls are typically free, confidential, and run by people who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems.
Covid-19 Resources
24/7 talk/text/chat with NYC Well: 1-888-NYC-WELL
For COVID-19 information and prevention guidelines: DOE, DOHMC, and CDC
Free Meals: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
Free Meals: https://wck.org/news/ny-nj
Mental Health:
NYS Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Line: 1-844-692-9355
Mental Health Resources
Individual and Group Therapy:
Follow Zencare on Instagram @zencare.co
Follow The Loveland Foundation on Instagram @thelovelandfoundation
Follow Melanin and Mental Health on Instagram @melaninandmentalhealth
Articles and Other Resources:
Laughter: The Surprising Secret to Living Through Tough Times
Racial Disparity in Digital Education + Organizations Helping Students
Mental Health Interventions: How to Respond to a Behavioral Crisis
Domestic Violence Resources
Podcasts:
Racial Trauma Resources
Basic Tools / Skills
Tools for Psychological Recovery :
Breakdown:
1) Gathering info and prioritizing assistance
2) Building Problem Solving Skills
3) Promoting a Positive Activities
4) Managing Reactions
5) Promoting Helpful Thinking
6) Building Healthy Social Connections
Self Regulation Skills:
Breathing
Counting (3-5) deep breaths on the exhale (for anger)
Naming- hand on heart breathe in “calm,” breathe out “ease”
Breath in 7, hold 4, breath out 8 (for anxiety)
Relaxation: Rose / Candle
Smell the rose, breathe in through your nose
Blow out the candle, blow out through your lips.
Calming: grass
Smell the grass: inhale through nose, exhale through nose
Energizing: Fire
Like a dragon: Inhale through mouth, exhale through flaring nostrils
Cooling: straw
As if you have a straw, inhale by sucking air though your straw, exhale blowing through the straw.
Blow up a balloon
Movement for release and nervous system regulation
Walk fast then slow down 3-5 minutes
Push wall away from you (3 minutes)
Whack, punch or squeeze a cushion, add words (5 times, repeat)
Shake, kick, punch safe objects to release stress until energy does down
Scream into pillow or cushion. Take 3+ slow deep breaths afterwards
Art for expression
Using a Red crayon cover sheet of paper as fast as you can
Mindfulness coloring book
Mandala making - draw a circle and fill it in however you’d like with materials that feel good to use
Writing for identification and validation
Write down what is making you mad on post-it’s and rip or crumple
Journaling- automatic writing 5-10 minutes non-stop.
Unsent letter - Write a paragraph to the person who is triggering you. Rip it up.
Letter to self - “I feel – I need – I am willing to…”
Fidgets to regulate anxiety and stress
Stress ball/play-dough
Fidget spinner
Touch stone of strength
Favorite Texture (velvet or silk, feather)
Paper clip bracelet
Puzzle
Harm reduction
Rubber bands on wrists
Ice contacting skin
Other
Create a Playlist/soundtrack for your state of mind
Walk outside with music
Record an autobiographical monologue on your phone
Self talk - “It’s ok. I got this. This will pass, etc.”