Don't Worry, Be Happy! Some Tips When Life's Harder Than Usual
Don’t Worry. Be Happy. Here are some tips and. resources to help.
While the advice of the classic song by Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” may be more than some of us can manage these days, trying to worry less about things outside our control and focusing on positives, however small, can help. Reaching out for support when needed is another good idea.
One suggestion I was given by Linda Burroughs, executive director of Villages of San Mateo, was to try music therapy. It’s simple. Play your favorite songs, sing, and dance with wild abandon. Drag your family into it or even have a virtual dance party! Or, sit peacefully and relax while listening. It’ll help boost your mood. Listen to the tunes below to get you started! What are your suggestions for the best Happy / Mood Uplifting tunes? Add them to the Comments section below.
Try ideas from the Coping Calendar fo feel productive, grateful, or connected. If you can, Volunteer! Even if you’re in an at-risk group that needs to stay home, I have ideas for ways you can donate your time and lift someone else’s spirits. Helping others often has a positive impact on your own outlook.
Many great professional resources are listed below. Please reach out to them, a family member, friend, colleague or neighbor or us, if you need or want support. We’ll make it through this tough period by relying on each other. Now, if you’re in the mood, scroll below for some tunes to lift your spirits!
Coping Calendar - Actions for Happiness from www.actionforhappiness.org
Interested in group therapy? One Life, a terrific San Carlos nonprofit, has a wide range of free or low cost groups you can join. Class of 2020 Senior Support, Wellness &. Self Care for First Responders, Virtual Art Groups, and Meditation Fridays are just a few.
If you’d prefer 1x1 counseling, here’s a message from Suzanne Hughes, One Life’s Executive Director:
“There are so many worries right now. One thing that I don't want you to worry about is access to excellent counseling services. We are here. We care. We are open virtually including support groups and a free parent hotline! Our therapists are now using telehealth and video conferencing. We will see anyone, regardless of ability to pay. Please call if you need support.”
One Life can be reached at (650) 394-5155.
Cyber Bullying in 2020 and the online tools to prevent it
Researchers have found that bullying can drastically increase young people’s chances of Depression, Substance abuse and Suicide.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Online learning has become the new normal in over 90% of American households. Victims of bullying often turn to online resources before they reach out to a trusted adult. This is mainly because of the severe feelings of Shame, Hopelessness, Embarrassment etc. If the proper resources cannot be found, it can lead to heartbreaking consequences.
To learn more, check out Sunshine Behavioral Health’s Anti-Cyber Bullying Guide
Here are additional Behavioral Health and Recovery Resources:
Behavioral Health Services & Recovery Services
Peer Support Services
And 24/7 Suicide Crisis Hotlines:
National Crisis Hotline
1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Starvista Crisis Hotline (San Mateo County)
(650) 579-0350
Crisis Text Line
Text BAY to 741741
Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for additional phone/chat options (online chat, Spanish speakers, Veterans, deaf or hard of hearing or disaster distress line), resources and to learn the warning signs. Download the Warning Signs Lifeline Wallet Card.
Mental Health Hotlines for LGBTQ + Teens
LGBT National Youth Talkline
(800) 246-PRIDE (7743)
Trevor Lifeline
(866) 488-7386
Trevortext
For LGBTQ youth: text START to 678678
Veterans crisis line
Connects. veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified. caring Department of Veteran Affairs responders through a confidential. toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Call. 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255 for confidential support.
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