Our services are now being offered via telehealth, as well as in person.
Our services are now being offered via telehealth, as well as in person.
In a matter of weeks our lives became so different from what they used to be. If someone told us that our jobs would be on the line, that we couldn’t go out to eat and that we’d have to stay home and isolate, we’d probably say that they must be talking about a movie. And yet this unimaginable reality became our life and we need to adapt. The shock, the adjustment, the unpredictability and new ways of living are all part of this new normal.
Mental health services are classified as healthcare, therefore considered an essential service. As a result, Alternative Options is staying committed to the communities of Los Angeles and Orange County, remaining their doors open during this time. Alternative Options offers programming and support for teens and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse and/or eating disorders. The services are now being offered via telehealth, as well as in person, at all three locations: Artesia, Placentia and Huntington Beach. All of the safety standards indicated by the CDC and State of California are being implemented.
In addition to reaching out for help to professionals, it is important to create a set of resources for yourself that might help you keep going. Since this time is already highly anxiety provoking, it is important to try not to elevate it to unmanageable levels. Relying on scientifically grounded resources about novel coronavirus, attempting to maintain some type of daily schedule, especially, if working from home, taking breaks from the news coverage, engaging in relaxation and self-care practices can help you in achieving that.
1. You can find the guidelines and statistics regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) here:
Additional up-to-date information and resources:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
https://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/epidasmt/epi/dip/prevention/novel_coronavirus
2. Mindfulness and grounding practices might be particularly helpful during this time.
Free guided recordings and free mindfulness webinars can be found here:
https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
Practices such as stepping outside, taking walks through the neighborhood, listening to the sounds around and noticing the local nature can be nice breaks from distressing thoughts or difficult urges. Research shows that being in nature or even having nature videos or images on your screens help to decrease stress response in the body. Find that YouTube Video!
Cooking can be another form of mindfulness practice. Trying to create recipes from what is already at you house may steer up creative feelings, so that’s a bonus. Some ideas are here:
3. Honoring social distancing and supporting our communities by doing so are so crucial now, as it brings forth our work together to help save lives, keep important businesses open and minimize economic losses. While staying home you can find these live resources:
Free Grounding Practices are offered by Greater Good Science Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1pm via Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/greatergoodmag/
Free Nightly Opera Streams
Or you can virtually visit Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/news/aquariumacademy/
Alternative Options can be found on social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. There is something regularly being posted, so you can stay connected this way too.
Please, reach out via calling 877.538.4133 if you have more questions or looking for more resources.Serving Los Angeles and Orange County Areas
