The Monroe County Library System is here for the community during this difficult time. We are all trying to adjust to daily changes at home, at work and in our everyday interactions that can have a big impact on our physical and mental health. As the current situation evolves, more resources appear every day and our staff is working hard to find and share them with you. We’ve compiled this list of resources to help support you and your family. This is not a comprehensive list.

Local & State Resources

Bivona Child Advocacy Center:  Serving the greater Rochester, NY area, Bivona’s streamlined approach partners Child Protective Services, social workers, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, and volunteers under one roof to help child abuse victims and families.

Finger lakes Region 211 Lifeline:  Community members get connected with experienced telecounselors by simply dialing 211 for free and confidential assistance connecting to vital services within the community. Resource links are also available on their website.

Monroe County Department of Health:  COVID-19 resources

New York State Department of Health:  Coronavirus information

NYS Department of Health COVID 19 Hotline  1-888-364-3065

New York State Office of Mental Health:  COVID-19 related mental health resources from NY State

Willow Domestic Violence Center:  Serving the greater Rochester, NY area, its mission is to prevent domestic violence and ensure every survivor has access to the services and supports needed along the journey to a safe and empowered life.

Catholic Charities Peer Support Specialists:  one-on-one help and group support for those struggling with addiction. They are currently offering meetings over the phone and via Zoom.

National & Global Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide

American Psychological Association:  Articles on managing grief, anxiety, and other mental health concerns during the COVID-19 crisis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

National Council for Behavioral Health:  Scroll down to the “General Behavioral Health Resources” section to find a drop-down menu of helpful links with mental health tips

National Domestic Violence Hotline:  1-800-799-7233: Free and confidential phone and chat hotline for when you need help

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:  Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

World Health Organization’s (WHO):  Myth Busters page – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Advice for the Public

Mindfulness

The Center for Mindful Living: Free online courses, videos, and guided meditations

How parents and kids can de-stress:  A PBS article on basic mindfulness techniques and other helpful tips for families

Insight Timer Free Guided Meditations:  Free guided meditations, talks, music and more that you can play on your computer or mobile device

Oprah & Deepak’s free 21-day online meditation experience: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times:  A guided meditation; requires signing up for a free account

Tara Brach: Pandemic Care Resources:  Free guided meditations and talks to support you during the COVID-19 crisis

Mindful:  A non-profit organization and bi-monthly magazine; their website is filled with helpful mindfulness resources, including guided meditations, online courses, and general mental health information.

Family Resources

2021-2022 Flu Season: A Complete Guide to the Flu Vaccine: A comprehensive guide to the Flu vaccine for the 2021-2022 season.

Seasonal Health Guide for Older Adults: A seasonal health guide with health and safety resources for Seniors.

COVID-19 Information and Resources- Autism Speaks:  Guidance on helping autistic children and adults manage the constant changes during the pandemic

Child Mind Institute:  Resources to support families during COVID-19, including self-care for parents and tips on helping children through the pandemic

Young Children at Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Importance of Self-Care:  Article from zerotothree.org that stresses the need for self-care for parents

General Resources & Articles

Masterlist: All the Mental Health Resources You Might Need During COVID-19:  A set of helpful links provided by Healthline of mental health resources during the Pandemic.

Ten Percent Happier: Coronavirus Sanity Guide:  Free meditations, podcasts, blog posts, and talks to help you cope with the COVID-19 crisis

Los Angeles Times – The Upside of Social Distancing: How Hygge Can Help:  Article on incorporating Hygge, the Danish art of being cozy, into our homes to improve our mental well-being

Psychology Today Website:  Many excellent articles on handling the current pandemic

Emotional Survival Guide for COVID-19: an article published by Resources to Recover (RTOR) with helpful strategies for managing emotions during this time of isolation