Last month, roughly 70% of Americans experienced moderate-to-severe mental distress—triple the rate seen in 2018, according to a new study from researchers at San Diego State University and Florida State University.
Twenge, the coauthor of the study, says the severity of the mental health discrepancies her study revealed probably shouldn’t have come as a shock.
“In some ways, this is a perfect storm for mental health issues,” she says. “We’re dealing with social isolation, anxiety around health, and economic problems. All of these are situations linked to mental health challenges, and these are hitting many of us all at once.”
Because of this, we compiled a list of mental health resources for those who are feeling a little more than blue.
Table of Contents
Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness
This webpage provides information and wellness tips for individuals living with mental health conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Building Mental Resilience
Michael Pollock, CEO of DBSA joins other mental health experts for a discussion on strong mental health where he talks about the importance of checking in and listening to the people we care about that may be struggling or already managing a mental condition during the public health crisis. Watch the full series
Medication Access During COVID-19
Changes and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 can make it difficult to know what to do to make sure you have access to needed medications. Here are some tips and pieces of information to help you prepare and care for yourself or your loved ones
Coronavirus Anxiety—Helpful Expert Tips and Resources
This page from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides COVID-19 resources, including videos, tips, and blogs on managing anxiety and coping.
COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
This webpage from the National Institute on Drug Abuse provides guidance on special considerations for the health and basic needs of individuals with Substance Use Disorders during Coronavirus.
COVID-19: Mental health in the age of coronavirus
An article from the United Nations with guidance on promoting mental health among different populations including caretakers, health care workers, leaders, people with children, older adults, and pregnant, breastfeeding women.
COVID-related Mental Health and Recovery Resources
A Guide from Tempest on companies and organizations that offer online support for individuals, including those with eating disorders and alcohol or substance use concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions on Mental Health, Mental Illness, and COVID-19
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) created a document to help guide individuals that have specific questions about their mental health situations.
Managing Stress and Anxiety related to COVID-19
This page from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides tips for coping with stress and anxiety, including information focused on parents, first responders, and people who have been released from quarantine.
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
Mental health and wellness during a public health crisis
Dr. LaGenia Bailey, former DBSA board member, discusses tips on how to stay well during this public health crisis. In this podcast, she addresses benefits of mindfulness practice, lifestyle habits, and ways to stay connected with others to avoid isolation.
Protecting Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A message from Brandon Staglin, President of One Mind, on prioritizing wellbeing during COVID-19.
Resources for the OCD and related disorders community during the COVID-19 outbreak
This page from the International OCD Foundation provides information about COVID-19 for individuals with OCD and related disorders.
People with Disabilities, Medical Conditions & Older Adults
The Southeast ADA Center compiled resources specific for individuals with disabilities.
Shrink Speak: COVID-19 Crisis
In this special three-part COVID-19 Crisis series, Dr. Lieberman of Columbia University speaks with renowned experts who have expertise in relevant disciplines that pertain to this COVID-19 pandemic.
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MENTAL HEALTH APPS
AnxietyCoach
An app for anxiety that addresses fears and worries using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies. Users create a list of feared activities and learn to master them with guidance through the app. The app includes tools for a self-test, anxiety tracking, and viewing progress.
Cost: $4.99
CBT-i Coach
An app that was designed for those with sleep problems. Users learn how their thoughts and sleep-related behaviors affect their sleep patterns and have access to educational materials about sleep, sleep habits, and how to promote sleep quality. CBT-i Coach is available for Apple mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) and for Android phones and tablets.
Evidence: CBT-i Coach has been shown to be an effective treatment for insomnia in several clinical trials.
Headspace
A mobile app to reduce anxiety and stress and improve attention and awareness in individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and related disorders. This app is useful for starting a regular meditation practice. The app teachers mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation practice, and ways to increase relaxation and concentration. This app is user-friendly and includes clear instructions, videos, podcasts, and an online forum.
Cost: $7.92-$14.95/month after free 30-day trial
Evidence: 16 published studies in the leading mindfulness peer-reviewed journals showing the impact of Headspace on health outcomes such as stress, focus and compassion. Other studies are ongoing.
IntelliCare
A suite of 12 interactive mini-apps that work together to target common causes of depression and anxiety such as sleep problems, social isolation, and obsessive thinking.
Evidence: These apps are part of a nationwide research study funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Medisafe
A mobile app that helps you remember to take your medication.
Evidence: In a retrospective study, Medisafe users showed statistically significant increases in adherence.
MoodKit
An app that uses the principles and techniques of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help users with mood disorders engage in mood-enhancing activities, identify and change unhealthy thinking patterns, rate and track their mood over time, and write journal entries.
Cost: $4.99
Evidence: Pepperdine University psychologists developed this app(link is external)
reSET for Substance Use Disorders
An app that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people recover from substance abuse and increase the rate of people who stay in outpatient therapy programs. reSET includes interventions and assessments for patients. It is indicated as a prescription-only adjunct treatment for patients with substance use disorders.
Evidence: Data from a clinical trial showed a statistically significant increase in adherence to abstinence in those who used reSET. reSET has received clearance from the FDA to be marketed as the first prescription digital therapeutic with claims to improve clinical outcomes in a disease.
If you have anything to add to this list, please let us know!
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James Hill is a veteran of the music industry. He first worked at Warner Reprise Records then later joined Interscope/ Geffen Records where he managed producers and songwriters and got his first platinum record for Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is. He is now helping indie artists with branding and manufacturing through his company Unified Manufacturing, a CD/DVD/vinyl and merch company in LA.
