July 29, 2020

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Now what? Last week's tool of pivoting thoughts to the positive ( "What If..." to "Now What?") is an important aspect of overcoming challenges. This week's tip is what to do next: Maintain a Hopeful Outlook.

Sometimes easier said than done, hold the hope that some good will come out of this time ( or maybe already has!). Crisis = Opportunity. Keep your head up and know that this difficult time will pass. The fact is, viruses run their course and eventually die out so hold that thought in mind.

A hopeful outlook is not blind optimism and is not about denying reality. Accept that what's going on in the world right now will be hard on us and take our best to resolve it. We must balance today's scary reality with a sense of hopefulness and not over or under-react.

Try to stay grounded in the middle, emotionally and cognitively, and adopt a balanced stance to face the challenges ahead. From a place of balance, we can make our best efforts as well as best decisions of how to react. Contact your provider, refer to our mental health resources or engage in self-care when feeling out of balance.

Check on the ones you love and hold on to hope. YOU GOT THIS!

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If you or a loved one are in distress or experiencing a crisis, call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Available 24/7)
Call  1-800-273-8255  | Chat online at  suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
Metropolitan Human Services District (Local New Orleans- Available 24/7)
Call  (504) 826-2675
Louisiana Dept. of Health's “Keep Calm Through COVID” hotline:
 (866) 310-7977
Domestic Violence Resources:
National: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or DomesticShelters.org
Louisiana: New Orleans Family Justice Center ( 504-866-9554 ), Metro Center for Women and Children ( 504-837-5400 ) or the State Hotline ( 1-888-411-1333 ).
Calling All Musicians!
Send Me A Friend  &  Tulane School of Social Work are examining the behavioral health challenges ( substance abuse, anxiety, depression, etc .) that musicians face. Today, as concert venues close and shows are canceled, data collected from this survey is more important than ever! Your responses will be used to develop a better understanding of how to implement solutions.
~ Self-Care Opportunities ~
Give Back to Feel Good!
Volunteering has been proven to benefit mental health! Find purpose and give back to your community by helping provide food resources to those in need with Culture Aid NOLA
Check Your Health Coverage!
Contact Us If You Need Assistance
Having health coverage can bring peace of mind during this pandemic. Take time to see if you qualify for Medicaid or to re-enroll* to make sure your coverage doesn't lapse.
*Medicaid coverage must be renewed every year!
NAMI Virtual Support Groups
Wednesdays | 2:00- 3:30 PM
NAMI New Orleans hosts online support groups on Zoom, open to any adult living with mental illness. NAMI connection is a free and confidential support group led by trained facilitators that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope.
Backline Support Groups
Come Together: COVID-19 Crisis
Online support groups for music industry professionals that aim to address the anxieties associated with COVID-19’s effects on the music industry, provide information and resources, and support each other during this difficult time. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Newman will lead a group meditation.
#GetYaMindRight Virtual Support Line
Mon. Wed. & Fri. | 10:15 AM

MHSD's chat line will now be available to the general public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and will be led by IWES mental health professionals. The goal of this initiative is to assist people with anxiety and concerns by sharing healthy coping skills and techniques.
Jai Bhakti Yoga Online Classes
Yoga classes with inspirational message, FREE for everyone and all levels welcome.
Daily at 8am on Facebook live, ( @jaibhaktiyogafoundation), Wednesdays at 6pm on IGTV ( @jaibhaktiyoga), and a range of free videos on their YouTube channel.
Sistahs Making A Change Online
Weekly dance and wellness every Monday (Sip & Share) and Thursday (Movement Classes) hosted by Ashe Cultural Center. Email info@ashenola.org to join.
Jennie Morton
Online Resources
 Jennie, an NOMC partner via PAMA, focuses on the physical manifestations of emotional issues. Her site offers services as well as a free educational journal focused on mental health issues and related content.
COVID-19 Situational Risk Calculator
A tool to help you think more clearly about whether or not to attend an in-person event.
Sound Mind Stress Reduction Playlist
Sound Mind , an amazing organization amplifying voices in the music industry around mental health awareness, created a playlist on Spotify to help you de-stress!
Sit back, relax and heal yourself with music.
Creative Mornings/New Orleans
A free monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community and a space to spark connections through a celebration of our city's creative voices. Everyone is welcome. Free events hosted on the final Friday of the month & includes a 20-minute talk from a local creative. Next event: July 31st!
The New Orleans Theatre Association supports local cultural programming through grants to established and emerging arts organizations and educational institutions. NOTA has provided funding for the NOMC to support its efforts to offer mental health services to the local creative community.