Q: Employment and/or funds

The U.S. Department of Labor provides guidance on COVID-19 related employment issues. The agency also provides support with navigating unemployment insurance relief . Your state governor’s office likely provides additional guidance regarding unemployment compensation. Find your state governor’s office here .

Question 1

Dealing with social anxiety or not feeling as outgoing as prior to the pandemic

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

In compliance with public health guidelines, many of us have had limited in-person social interactions during COVID-19. Spending so much time alone may mean that people - not just those who typically avoid social interaction, but many who pre-pandemic might have enjoyed it - may find it difficult to adjust when it is time to resume normal activities. See here for Active Minds’ resources on different forms of anxiety, where and how to find support from friends and professionals, and additional resources for managing anxiety.

Question 2

Socializing safely

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Even as vaccinations increase, it is still important to engage in safety precautions to protect yourself and others (especially people who are immunocompromised), to prevent spread or a resurgence of the virus and its variants, and to respect the needs or wishes of others who might not be quite ready to fully re-engage. The best resources for staying up-to-date regarding public health guidelines are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, your state health department, and federal and state officials. Johns Hopkins University also provides a map with updated information about COVID-19 cases, vaccines, etc.

Question 3

Navigating conversations with others about socializing

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Readiness for social interaction varies. Remember that comfort levels are different for everyone. If you are navigating a difficult conversation with someone, use Active Minds’ V-A-R tool to validate their feelings before jumping into solutions. Visit activeminds.org/var for more information.

Question 4

Dealing with mixed emotions about returning to “normal”

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

It’s clear that the world will likely never go completely back to normal; rather, we may need to find new constructs for a different, new “normal.” Feeling mixed emotions about that adjustment is normal. Are you feeling low or living with a diagnosable mental health issue? Check out these resources for when your emotions are hard to manage.

Question 5

Navigating tough life transitions

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

As workplaces and schools continue to navigate the pandemic, many might still need to support, i.e. those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, acting as caregivers, or missing out on anticipated life events. For strategies for coping, see these helpful resources from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, and the CDC.

Question 6

Maintaining social connection virtually

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Everyone has a basic need for community and social connection. Even if you are not ready for in-person socializing just yet, there are many opportunities to stay connected while practicing social distancing. If you are a student, check out Active Minds’ Student Slack Network for instant opportunities to get to know other mental health advocates across the country. A number of other organizations list or provide virtual support groups, including To Write Love on Her Arms, Mental Health America, and the Depression and Bipolar Disorder Support Alliance.

Question 7

Maintaining healthy habits

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Has the pandemic impacted your habits that would typically help you feel your best? Have you gotten out of the habit of drinking water, for example? Or are your sleeping patterns off? Check out our tools for setting daily reminders for yourself and getting your habits back on track.

Question 8

Requesting continued flexibility at work and/or school

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

For many, navigating the pandemic would be easier if they felt they could talk about mental health openly with their managers, employers, and/or educators and receive continued flexibility and/or accommodations to do their best work. Active Minds offers the following resources to support you with advocating for your needs: Self-Advocating for Your Needs: Navigating the “New Normal” at Work and Creating a Culture of Wellness in a Remote or Hybrid Environment.

Question 9

Finding mental health resources (digital and in-person)

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

For immediate assistance, text BRAVE to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-8255 for immediate, free, 24/7 assistance. Check out these resources for when your emotions are hard to manage.

When you or a loved one is looking for a mental health professional, the best places to look are often recommendations from friends/family and your insurance provider’s “Find a Doctor” tool. See more of our recommendations, including tips around affordability, licensing, meet-and-greets, and more here.

There are also a host of digital mental health resources available. See suggestions for tools here and here.

Question 10

Employment and/or funds

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

The U.S. Department of Labor provides guidance on COVID-19 related employment issues. The agency also provides support with navigating unemployment insurance relief. Your state governor’s office likely provides additional guidance regarding unemployment compensation. Find your state governor’s office here.

Question 11

Food security

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Many continue to struggle with food security resulting from the impact of COVID-19. Find your local food back here and read about other public assistance programs here.

Question 12

Housing security

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Your state governor’s office likely provides guidance on how to connect with housing counseling agencies and homeless intake centers and guidance on evictions and foreclosures. Find your state governor’s office here. The National Coalition for the Homeless and The Salvation Army provide a national listing of homeless shelters.

Question 13

Taking a leave of absence

Hannah Williams · Accepted Answer

As circumstances and guidelines continue to change, many may find that taking a leave of absence from their education or career is the best choice for their mental health. To learn more about taking a leave of absence, please visit the Taking a Leave of Absence: A Guide for College Students and Taking a Leave of Absence: A Guide for Campus Leadership, Faculty, & Staff resources provided by our partner, the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Question 14

Supporting the wellbeing of your co-workers

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Employers all over the world are starting to attend to the mental health culture of their companies for their employees’ wellbeing, and their bottom line. See Active Minds’ tips for supporting employees and check out Active Minds’ @Work program, which offers simple and actionable tools to employees and employers to improve the culture of mental health in high-performing environments. Learn more at activeminds.org/atwork.

Question 15

Supporting the wellbeing of students at school

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Although educators cannot (and should not) be expected to replace the role of mental health professionals, they can take actions as helpers, not clinicians, to support struggling students. Active Minds’ guide, “Creating a Culture of Caring,” provides practical approaches that educators can implement in “the everyday.” By doing so, they can contribute to the creation of caring, productive learning environments that help students thrive and, when needed, seek professional help.

Question 16

Supporting the wellbeing of friends and family

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Knowing that someone you love is struggling with their mental health can be scary and confusing. You may feel helpless, but you can make a difference by listening, being prepared, and knowing when to act. The most important thing to do is to walk beside them with compassion and empathy. See Active Minds’ tips for supporting a family member and a friend.

Question 17

Sign the Here For You Pledge

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

As we make decisions around socializing, cope with the new normal, and advocate for continued flexibility and empathy we may have experienced during the pandemic, it will be important to support others around us. Sign the Here For You Pledge to show others you care.

Question 18

Bring VARⓇ to your campus, school, or community

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Using Active Minds’ V-A-R tools, you can show up for yourself and others in a meaningful way that is also fun and simple. Together, we can change the culture around mental health in communities across the nation, making sure every person hears the important message: “It’s okay to not be okay,” and ensuring mental health is prioritized as highly as physical health.

Question 19

Reduce stress, promote self-care, and build communities

Emma Edick · Accepted Answer

Active Minds’ Stress Less Week® Toolkit is designed to provide education about stress and anxiety and build communities that are supportive of mental health. Stress Less Week spreads the message that speaking up about one’s struggles is a sign of strength and promoting self-care is a priority. Stress Less Week can be any week that makes sense in your year.

~ maintain self-care and life at your own pace ~

take Active Minds’ Here For You pledge

Healthy Socializing