Social distancing and being confined to home is challenging for many, especially those with mental health conditions. Many community members are expressing unease or anxiety about spending more time alone at home and away from others. It’s important that we do our best to take care of ourselves and check in on loved ones who might face mental health challenges during this time.
To help you remain connected to your social network, here are some ideas:
- Schedule regular calls with friends like you would schedule a work meeting. If you can, make them video calls, using FaceTime or Skype, Zoom, or other video-calling options.
- Start a text or email chain with friends about good articles to read, videos to watch, podcasts to listen to, songs to listen to, etc.
- Catch up with old friends by email, phone, or on social media platforms.
- Play online games with friends using apps, such as Words with Friends.
- Start up an impromptu virtual book club with a friend or group of friends, by starting to read the same book together, then check in to discuss it.
- Plan to watch TV shows or movies at the same time with friends, then check in to discuss them.
- Call or video-chat with friends while taking virtual tours together of museums, national parks, and more from Google Arts & Culture.
- Tune in to live-streamed concerts and other events.
- Friendly with your neighbors? Plan to meet up outside at a safe distance for daily check-ins.
Ideas to share with us? Share them!
Ways to Stay Connected During the COVID-19 Crisis