There are many resources available to support our mental health in this season. We recognize that the sheer number can be overwhelming. Please take your time. Read what’s helpful and limit feeling overwhelmed by going at a gentle pace.
Here is a selection of resources that may be supportive of your wellbeing:
Anxiety Canada’s Mind Shift App
MindShift™ CBT uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety.
Meditation and Self-Care During COVID-19
Enjoy Hillary McBride’s meditation and post about managing anxiety and practicing self-care.
Eradicate Guilt
Psychologist, Kate Middleton, from The Mind and Soul Foundation discusses managing loss, frustration and fear.
10 Ways to Overcome Anxiety
Laura Howe from Hope Made Strong offers many practices for coping with anxiety.
If you would like to pray but are finding it difficult to find the words, consider using someone else’s.
Breath Prayers for Anxious Times – by Sarah Bessey
Prayers for this Season – by Sanctuary Staff
The Sanctuary Course
The prayer of Examen was adapted from The Sanctuary Course Session 7. Right now, this course is free using the code “mentalhealth” until May 31, 2020. Gather a group of friends or connect with your church small group and run the course in an online small group format – a point of connection in this time of isolation.
Please note: If you have tried some of these tools and are noticing panic attacks, the inability to sleep or eat, a sense of uncontrollable or overwhelming emotions, or behaviours which are problematic or self-harming, please find someone to talk to about that. You could access a physician using a tele-health service, call a crisis line, or find an online counseling service.
Online counseling resource: Get 10% off your first month with BetterHelp by visiting betterhelp.com/liturgists
For your quick reference, here are nationwide emergency numbers and crisis lines:
- Canada: 911, Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (in British Columbia, you can also call 310-6769 for emotional support, information, and resources specific to mental health)
- United States: 911, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
- United Kingdom: 999/112, Samaritans: 116 123
- New Zealand: 111, 1737, Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800-543-354
- Australia: 000, Lifeline: 13 11 14
Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries does not provide medical or therapeutic advice. If you are in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the crisis line in your area or emergency services.