Mental health has never been
more important
Everyone has mental health, and most people, at least once in their life, will need professional help. That’s OK. In fact, it’s better than OK – it’s good! We should take care of our mental health, and encourage others to do the same.
Check out some of our favorite tools and resources below. Take care!
Don’t wait. You can get help RIGHT NOW.
If you’re in crisis, you can reach out to these hotlines 24 hours a day. Here’s some of our recommendations:

CRISIS TEXT LINE
Text “HOME” to 741741 for free 24-hour crisis counseling

SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
1-800-273-8255 or chat online here.

THE TREVOR PROJECT
Crisis text line for LGBTQ+ youth. Text “START” to 678678, call 1-866-488-7386 or chat online here.

NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 or call 1-800-799-7233.

RAINN NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE:
1-800-656-4673 or online chat here.
Grow with myStrength
Oaklawn is proud to offer our community a free digital resource where you can strengthen your mental and emotional health, practice new skills and learn about topics relevant to you. It’s called myStrength, and it’s accessible via myStrength’s website or its mobile app. myStrength is completely confidential and covers topics like substance use, depression, anxiety, parenting and so much more. It even has special resources for COVID-19. Learn more about myStrength here or click the button below to sign up today.


BUILDING RESILIENCE
In times of crisis, we have a choice.

1. GET CALM
- Breathe: Deep breathing increases oxygen, promoting calm.
- Exercise: Reduces stress hormones and lifts your mood with endorphins.
- Journal: Writing negative thoughts and feelings clears them.
- Get outside: Nature reduces blood pressure, tension and stress hormones.
- Hold the phone: Lots of time on your phone is linked to high stress and sleep disturbances.
When we react to stress or fear, we are unable to think rationally. Take time to breathe and you will calm down and make better decisions.

2. CHANGE YOUR THINKING
- Stay positive: Change the narrative through positive self-talk.
- Remember: Setbacks are temporary, situational and objective.
- And ‘Yet’! Give yourself permission to learn, grow and get better.
- Defeat worry: Don’t dwell on or tell yourself scary stories.
- Be a hero: Tell yourself a story in which you are the hero.
You have the power to change your thinking and your story.
Choose to be the hero.

3. CREATE A RESILIENT LIFE
- Take care of yourself: Eat healthy, develop a good sleep routine and stay hydrated.
- Reflect: Regularly reflect on things for which you are grateful.
- Connect Spiritually: Spirituality reduces stress and boosts health.
- Connect with others: Build connections and create a support system.
- Care for others: This improves your own mental health and emotional well-being.
Just as we choose how we think, we choose how we live.
Adapted from Venture International LLC
Our Favorite COVID-19 Resources

CHILDREN
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, from PBS Kids
- Breathe With Me: Guided Breathing Meditations for Kids: Storybook read on YouTube to teach kids calming skills.
- Happy Right Now: Storybook narrated on YouTube to teach kids how to frame their thinking.

TEENS
- Maintaining Mental Health During Coronavirus, from the Seize the Awkward campaign
- Tips to Help Teens Cope During COVID-19, from Mental Health America

ADULTS
- Be Well Indiana, physical and mental health resources from the State of Indiana
- 7 Things To Do if Social Distancing Is Triggering Your Depression, from The Mighty
- Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: A Tool to Help You Build Resilience During Difficult Times, an in-depth guide from The Wellness Society for working through anxiety