COVID-19 Resources
The unprecedented circumstances surrounding the emergence of COVID-19 have created a great deal of stress and uncertainty for all of us. The MINDS Foundation team has curated resources here that we believe may be of some help. By no means is this a comprehensive list and we highly recommend you reach out to a medical professional if you have any symptoms or concerns.
The COVID-19 emergency in India has shown no signs of abating in recent weeks, with hospitals jam-packed and supplies of oxygen running short. More than 300,000 people a day are reportedly becoming infected; and while it can be difficult to conceive of a humanitarian crisis of that magnitude, there are plenty of ways for those in the U.S. and abroad to help. Globally, the pandemic is far from over. We must unite now more than ever to provide immediate care.
MINDS is working to provide Mental Health Relief during this critical time by upscaling and expanding the following:
Support our efforts by donating to ensure we can bring these services to those all over India. If in India, you may donate via our GiveIndia platform to receive 80G tax-exemption. If you are in the US/Other Regions, you may donate via DonorBox for tax-exemption.
Mental Health & COVID-19
We have seen a dramatic increase in callers to our helpline over the past 1.5 years. The pandemic has not only impacted the physical health of individuals, but it has uncovered the mental health pandemic across India and globally. Research and clinical cases are demonstrating the need for mental health interventions acutely and in the long-term. There are rises in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
The MINDS Foundation Webinars/Podcasts: View Here
Key Resources
The MINDS Foundation WhatsApp (SMS/Call) HelpLine— +91-903-3837227
Virtual Psychotherapy Services via our partner, CloudTherapy l Inquire for Sessions
LonePack Buddy App l A safe space to talk about anything on your mind. Trained volunteers. Free of cost l Connect with a Listener Here
Massachusetts General Hospital COVID-19 Guide — We particularly love this page as it covers everything from general coping strategies to a focus on mental health for providers, families & children.
World Health Organization — This is obviously the BEST source of information, resources, research, data, and tips.
Government of India COVID —- Go-to resource in India operated by a reliable source
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (India) — The go-to resource for up-to-date information about the situation in India
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention — The go-to resource for up-to-date information about the situation in the United States of America
World Economic Forum Global Shapers Response to COVID-19 — Learn about what Hubs in your city are providing (globally) that you can get involved with. Everything from donations to webinars to challenges & campaigns.
Some of our favourite self-care tools
Mindful USC — A free service with so many resources. There is even a wonderful free app with guided meditations.
Breathwrk — A simple yet powerful way to alleviate stress and anxiety, fall asleep faster, energize yourself, or improve endurance.
The MINDS Foundation Insights in the Media
India didn't prioritize mental health before Covid-19. Now it's paying the price —CNN l Sept 7 2020
Coronavirus & Anxiety: How To Care For Your Mental Health Amid ‘Social Distancing’ — The Better India, written by Dr. Raghu Appasani
Why I Hate the Virus but Pause to Thank it — Thrive Global (India), written by Dr. Raghu Appasani
Struggling with Mental Health in the Time of Coronavirus — The Citizen India, interview with Ms. Pragya Lodha
Hotlines
India
The MINDS Foundation WhatsApp (SMS/Call) — +91-903-3837227
Dial National Helpline Number +91-11-23978046 or 1075
World Health Organization WhatsApp Global Line
WHO has launched a dedicated messaging services in Arabic, English, French and Spanish with partners WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people safe from coronavirus. This easy-to-use messaging service has the potential to reach 2 billion people and enables WHO to get information directly into the hands of the people that need it. From government leaders to health workers and family and friends, this messaging service provides the latest news and information on coronavirus including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others. It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real-time to help government decision-makers protect the health of their populations.
Join WHO's Health Alert on WhatsApp:
Arabic Send "مرحبا" to +41 22 501 70 23 on WhatsApp wa.me/41225017023?text=مرحبا
French Send "salut" to +41 22 501 72 98 on WhatsApp wa.me/41225017298?text=salut
Spanish Send "hola" to +41 22 501 76 90 on WhatsApp wa.me/41225017690?text=hola
English Send "hi" to +41 79 893 18 92 on WhatsApp wa.me/41798931892?text=hi
United States
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline Call 1-800-985-5990
24/7, 365-day-a- year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters
NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264)
Monday through Friday, between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm EST for mental health resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline . Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
More Hotlines at www.mindsfoundation.org/help