Mental Health Resources
These resources are intended for self-care.
If you are in need of help, our Counseling Center is open and holding Telehealth appointments. Request help at www.westsidefamily.church/care
Adult • Mental Health Resources
From Connie Horosz MA, LCPC
Remember to take a break!
Social media is extremely over-stimulating for the mind. Watching, reading, or listening to news stories over and over—even when there are some positive stories mixed in—can be upsetting when you're already overwhelmed. Get off social media and pray, cook, read, write (Grit & Virtue has some great journaling prompts to get you started!), paint, etc.
YouVersion Bible App
Check out Bible Study plans for anxiety, worry, and more on the You Version app.
Prayer and Mindfulness Exercises
Another great way to take a brain-break is with prayer and mindfulness practice. Feel like you don't know how to start? These free apps have guided prayers and reflective time to help you get started:
• Churchome App
• Calm App
• Breathe2Relax
• Headspace App If you are a Healthcare worker, Headspace is giving away free Headspace Plus subscriptions.Other Prayer Exercises:
Grounding Exercises
Grounding exercises such as the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise.
Working backward from 5, use your senses to list things you notice around you. For example, you might start by listing five things you hear, then four things you see, then three things you can touch from where you’re sitting, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Make an effort to notice the little things you might not always pay attention to.
Find more grounding exercises at HealthLine.com to see which ones work best for you!
Share how you're feeling.
Make a phone call, a video chat, or talk with a member of your household about how you're feeling. You're not in this alone, and social distancing doesn't mean isolation. Keep maintaining your relationships and support system!
Check out this article on “The Benefits of Play for Adults” and then get started!Help others (if you are healthy and not at risk)
As Pastor Randy has said before, "Jesus said in the midst of your pain, in the midst of your anxiety, in the midst of your depression, in the midst of your poverty—I dare you to lose your life and take a risk and serve others. He said to the people who do that- they actually find their life. Matthew 10:39"
There truly is something about helping others that helps us so much too! To learn about needs you can be meeting, join the Community Care • WFC Facebook Group . If you aren't able to help outside of your home, bring encouragement where you can—give a friend a phone call to tell them how much their friendship means to you, donate online, make reviews for your favorite small businesses that may be struggling right now, pray for your neighborhood using Bless Every Home, etc. There's so much that can still be done!
Finally, know that you are not alone in this and don't have to carry a burden alone.
Not only are you cared for and loved immeasurably by Jesus, we care about you and your life deeply. If you would like to look into counseling, we offer tele-counseling and in-person counseling. Submit a Care Request to get started. We also offer Care Groups that you can find more information about here.
Kids • Mental Health Resources
From Sarah Donley MA, LPC
Caroline Conquers her Corona Fears
This little workbook talks about doing school from home, setting up some structure at home, and has some suggestions for coping strategies.I Would Rather Go Out
This little book talks about how to use your imagination when you can’t do the stuff you really want to do. It encourages parents to join in the play.Thriving at Home
A mental wellness workbook for children and their parents during quarantine.Adventures in Odyssey • 4 weeks FREE
Remaining active is a big part of mental health. Here are some ideas to keep the mind and body active!
• Indoor tennis - Paint stick, paper plate, duct/packing tape, balloon.• Indoor/outdoor scavenger hunt
• Freeze dance/dance party
• Hide and seek