Emotional Health & Self-Care

Emotional Health & Self-Care Navigate the resources below to learn ways to cope with the added stress and anxiety throughout the ongoing changes due to coronavirus.

Manage anxiety and stress

• Coping with stress will help make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Learn more about coping during COVID-19. 
• Read an expert’s explanation on why anxiety around coronavirus is natural, and five simple ways you can reduce your coronavirus anxiety​.

Self-care tips

Whether affected by the illness, taking care of someone who is, or practicing social distancing to avoid getting sick, many of us have had to change our routines in recent weeks. Here are some self-care tips to help.

Virtual support groups and free or discounted therapy

Talkspace has created an expansive mental health resources page​, which includes online support groups to talk about Coronavirus-related concerns, and free therapy for impacted health care workers.

 

Mental Wellness Resources for Older Adults

Changes to routine can be difficult for anyone, including older adults. Feeling overwhelmed from these changes is common. Explore the advice on coping and resources below to limit stress and anxiety, as we work to get a handle on changes from Covid-19.

Stay Active

• Take a virtual museum tour: Find a new way to get a little culture and education while you’re confined to your home. Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with over 2500 museums and galleries around the world to offer virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. Check out available virtual tours.
• Visit the aquarium online: Monterey Bay Aquarium may be closed to visits, but you can still explore the deep blue through the aquarium's live cams and calming videos. Relax or meditate with some of the Pacific's friendly critters. Look at your options on the Monterey Bay website or enjoy the Facebook Live feed.
• Stay connected to your YMCA: Ys are maintaining connections with their communities at a distance online. Stay active with your community through Your Y at Home for Active Older Adults​.​
   

Stay Connected

• Enjoy lively discussions: As an organization promoting aging well, Mather offers a toll-free number to listen to a wide range of interesting discussions and programs. Browse Mather's Telephone Topics​.
• Take a class: Join a class, another activity, or simply chat with other older adults through the Well Connected program. Take a look at the Well Connected catalog​ to find a good fit for your interests.
   

Stay Calm​

• Practice mindfulness: Learn about the benefits and what it really means to be mindful by reading this blog from A Place for Mom.
• Meditate: Create an account to access the Headspace app for free through the Santa Clara County Library District. The app includes guided meditations you can access through a phone app or via website. You can also get a sneak peak of their content by viewing videos on frustration and anxiety.
• Say a prayer: Faith can be a great source of comfort during difficult times. Interfaith Action has compiled some prayers and inspirational messages for coping with Covid-19.
• Practice emotional resilience: Covid-19 has presented a unique emotional challenge to us all. Dr. Jelena Kecmanovic, a Georgetown University psychology professor, has written this piece for the Washington Post​ highlighting “science-based tips for emotional resilience during Covid-19.”

 

More Resources for Mental Wellbeing during COVID-19
COVID-19 Information from the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department