These are stressful times—that barely needs saying. We’ve crossed the six-month mark of life under quarantine. By now, there’s a good chance you’ve had at least a handful of arguments with your roommate/family members/significant other/yourself and read too many articles in the Atlantic about the impending doom of the winter months ahead.

So, what are ways to de-stress? What resources are out there for people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and mental illnesses and may not have obvious options, or the financial freedom to pay for therapy right now?

Here are some places to start:

Mental Health Hotlines, Apps, and Chats

DCPA COVID-19 Task Force: In March, the D.C. Psychological Association launched an initiative to provide free support for diverse communities across the D.C. region. The association is offering virtual townhalls, support groups, educational articles, and a telehealth therapist finder and referral directory. Additionally, DCPA is offering free membership for people suffering financially right now. Email Dr. Jessica Smedley or Samira Paul for more info.

Access HelpLine: The Department of Behavioral Health has a 24/7 hotline that connects people to mental health clinicians and also runs a suicide-prevention hotline. The clinicians refer callers to immediate help (activating a crisis response team) or ongoing care. 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides free and confidential support and resources for people facing distress, at all hours and days. 1-800-273-8255 or chat with a specialist.

EveryMind: The Maryland-based organization has a list of resources for coping with COVID-19 anxiety in healthy ways, as well as a hotline to connect with specialists in the area. 301-738-2255

DC SAFE: The 24/7 crisis-intervention agency for domestic violence in D.C. says in an email that “domestic violence rates tend to increase in the shadow of crisis as external pressures mount.” The agency provides support to victims and survivors, and is prepared for an uptick in abusive situations—its advocates are working remotely and are available 24/7. If you have an immediate need, call the City’s Victim Assistance line at 1-844-4HELPDC, 911, or 311

American Addiction Centers: For those suffering from alcohol or substance abuse disorders, AAC is offering free, virtual 12-step support meetings each week. They’re hosted by a person in recovery, with topics and meeting structures varying based on the group’s preference. The organization also has online guides and resources, including a private Facebook group where participants can connect with others in recovery.

Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates: The team of D.C.-based mental health professionals is offering free and reduced services for people of all ages—including daily chats and virtual support meetings. Call 301-576-6044 or email hello@wbma.cc for more info.

Headstrong: The nonprofit organization supports post-9/11 veterans with free mental health treatment.

Additionally, online databases like Good Therapy allow you to search for a therapist by location, specialties, pricing, and more. Apps and sites like Headspace and BetterHelp provide online counseling services by connecting you with mental health professionals via texts, phone calls, or video chats (for a membership fee.)

Meditation & Yoga

DCist compiled a list of free ways to stay occupied at home while practicing social distancing, and that list includes virtual yoga classes. Bluebird Sky Yoga, Yoga Heights, and Flow Yoga Center are just some of the studios providing classes through Facebook Live or Zoom.

Washingtonian provided a helpful meditation guide to fend off COVID-19 anxiety. On it: breathing exercises, establishing a mantra, and expressing gratitude.

Other Resources

For people who are able, lending a hand to those in need is one way to wrench back some control. Here are six different ways that folks can contribute to their local community.

Tom Huang, of the Dallas Morning News, offers this helpful thread for seeking help as a reporter, many of whom are covering pretty depressing news around the clock. Not a reporter? Hey, you might gain something from it, too.

For general guidance, the National Institute of Mental Health and other leading mental health experts are offering free advice online on staying calm during this crisis. Plus, here a few helpful reminders from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

• Separate what is in your control from what is not.
• Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. 
• Get outside in nature–even if you are avoiding crowds. 
• Challenge yourself to stay in the present. 
• Stay connected and reach out if you need more support.

If you have more suggestions, please send ideas to elliotw@dcist.com or add to this thread.