Mental Health Resources You Should Know About

[Krishna Floisand]

There are lots of options with apps and other services designed to making addressing mental health issues easier. We will continue in finding increasingly better ways to support our nurses across the country (read more here). Hang in there, friends. Share your resources below!

• Headspace App - Headspace is an on-the-go app that is proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, Headspace helps to create life-changing habits to support mental health so nurses can better manage their day-to-day stress.

• Therapy Aid - The Therapy Aid Coalition is a volunteer-based collective of experienced, licensed private-practice therapists committed to providing free or low-cost online therapy to essential workers across the United States. Using the “Find a Therapist” portal, nurses can sort through different therapists based on location, budget and timeline. All therapists who have volunteered to be part of this network are offering four 45-minute sessions ranging from $0 to a maximum of $50 per session.

• Cerebral - Cerebral is a digital “go-to” resource as it’s a fully remote telehealth company that understands the need for flexibility with healthcare workers. The company provides behavioral health coaching, talk therapy, medication management, and personalized resource content, all digitized for your convenience. 

• The Battle Within - For those looking for a more transformative experience, the Battle Within Service is a unique mental health resource founded by over 100 veterans, first responders, and community leaders who have firsthand experience with trauma and high-stress experiences. Together, they created a transformative (and free) 5-day program built by warriors using holistic techniques steeped in ancient warrior culture and backed by modern mental health practices. They also provide private therapists who are available to work with individuals in crisis, or those who are experiencing grief, anxiety, stress, or trauma.

• PeerRxMed Program - The PeerRXMed program is impactful in helping connect nurses with peers ready to stand with them in their shared experience. PeerRxMed is a free peer-to-peer program for nurses that pairs them with a “buddy”, and it is built around a program that has consistent check-ins for accountability and human connection. 

• COVID Mental Health Support Group - Location is sometimes a pain point for those looking for immediate mental health relief, but the Covid Mental Health Support Group is all about helping individuals find groups and resources local to them. 

• CBT Thought Record Diary - Journaling has proven to be a great strategy for working through mental health obstacles and that is why the free CBT Thought Record Diary is a great option for nurses who want a personalized and intimate approach to their mental health solutions. 

• Talkspace Online Therapy - For those who are experiencing social anxiety or who do not want to talk in person with a mental health professional, the Talkspace Online Therapy service is a great option for those who want to connect to resources via text. Through this texting program, nurses can connect with trained therapists as often as they need and receive daily responses as well as mental health resources. Prices range from $65- $99/week.

• Breathe2Relax - Created by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, the Breathe2Relax app is an app that taps into the power of breathing and meditation. After learning techniques of stress management through diaphragmatic breathing, nurses will learn how to lower the “fight or flight” response, which is something they face daily while managing high-stress life or death situations. 

• Crisis Text Line - Last but not least, we wanted to share one of the biggest national resources for mental health: the National Crisis Text Line. This text line is available 24/7, so nurses can simply text HOME to 741741 and reach a Crisis Counselor immediately through text message at any time of the day or night.

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is general and lists resources available but does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified health care provider for any questions you may have regarding thoughts of suicide or other mental health concerns. If you believe you or someone you know is at imminent risk of harming him or herself and is refusing help, call 911. If you have thoughts about suicide or you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

[Mornique Dicey]

Thank you so much for this very help post!