This is an unusual time for all of us, but the more we stand together, the better off we’ll be. We can be physically distant but emotionally together. Let’s connect virtually! Here is a full list of ongoing events and online communities that can improve and support your mental wellness. We will be updating as time goes on, so make sure to check back and see what’s happening.
Virtual Sanctuary: Daily at 12:30 pm ET
Hosted by the Wellspring Core Tream
As an offer of support during these challenging times, members of the Wellspring Core Team will be hosting a DAILY 30 minute Virtual Sanctuary on Zoom, allowing you to access the medicine of the times and to harness the intrinsic power of connection. They will share practices of presence, health, and renewal.
Join here. Meeting ID: 465 115 414. Free.
Lunch Doodle Series: Every weekday at 1:00 pm ET
Hosted by Mo Willems
Kids’ author Mo Willems is here to make your weekdays a little better for a while. Willems—Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, and the Elephant and Piggy series—is the current Education Artist in Residence at the Kennedy Center. His livestream will virtually invite “learners of all ages” into his studio and encourage them to draw and write with him. New videos will be posted to the Mo Willems page on the Kennedy Center’s website. Students can send him questions at LUNCHDOODLES@kennedy-center.org, and he’ll try to answer some of the questions in his videos.
Join here. Free
Remotely Possible Pandemic Panel: Fridays at 2:00 pm ET
Hosted by Brooklyn Minds (that’s us!)
COVID-19 is leading to massive changes in all of our lives and questions about mental health, family interactions, anxiety, and stress are on a lot of people’s minds. Please join our multidisciplinary team of expert guest panelists and clinicians with experience caring for individuals across the lifespan to help answer your questions about living with coronanxiety!
RSVP here. Free.
Social Distancing Social Club: Saturdays at 5:00 pm ET
Hosted by The Hofstetter
The Social Distancing Social Club is hosted by Steve Hofstetter, Ben Gleib, and Chris Bowers. Gleib is the host and head writer of Idiotest on Netflix & Game Show Network (210 episodes), was one of the stars of Chelsea Lately (100 episodes), and his Showtime hour special “Neurotic Gangster” is now free on YouTube. His podcast “Last Week on Earth” debuted on iTunes Comedy at #9 worldwide, and TBS called him one of the “funniest comedians working today”. Hofstetter’s book (Ginger Kid) is a top 5 pick on Amazon and debuted at number one in its category. He has been on The Late Late Show, Comics Unleashed, hosts “Finding Babe Ruth” on FS1, and has 150 million views on YouTube. Bowers is a regular on the famed Bob and Tom Radio Show.
Join here. Free to watch.
TED Connects: Weekdays at 12:00 pm ET
Hosted by TED
TED Connects presents a series of conversations, tackling numerous issues from the coronavirus vaccine to the importance of sleep, bringing on creators, authors, and experts. This week, TED Connects welcomes Sonia Shah, science journalist and author of Pandemic, Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic, and more.
Join here. Free.
Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus: April 6 at 5:00 pm ET
Hosted by Brooklyn Minds (that’s us!)
We’re all feeling overwhelmed, but how can pregnant women, mothers, and fathers manage pregnancy, perinatal mood, and parenting during a pandemic? Perinatal mental health expert Amanda Tinkelman, M.D. and Director of Psychological Services Rebecca Sinclair, Ph.D. will host a free webinar to discuss ways to manage your mental health during this time. Bring your questions, fears, and concerns to the discussion – and hear from the experts themselves.
Join here. Free.
Your Mind + Your Money: April 14 at 6:30-8:30 pm ET
Hosted by She Spends and Luminary
The panel will focus on themes such as how personal finances can affect mental health; how certain money behaviors — avoidance, overspending, hoarding — can be symptoms of underlying mental health issues; and how to seek treatment for mental health issues and manage them while still sticking to a budget. Twenty percent of ticket proceeds will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness for New York City.
RSVP here. $10
Emotions Anonymous Support Groups: Ongoing
Hosted by Emotions Anonymous International
EA provides a warm and accepting group setting in which to share experiences without fear of criticism. Through weekly support meetings, members discover they are not alone in their struggles. We may each have different symptoms, but the underlying emotions are the same or similar. As an anonymous program, EA respects the confidentiality of its members at all times. Members are not required to share any personal details.
Join here. Free.
Online Mental Health Support Groups: Ongoing
Hosted by Supportgroups
There are dozens of different groups, from “narcolepsy” and “transgender” to “skin picking” and “unemployment.” Join thousands of others who share similar experiences. This is a great way for you to connect with your peers from your home, tackle your mental health questions, and find reliable support outside of traditional therapy.
Join here. Free.
Peer-to-Peer Online Support Group: Ongoing
Hosted by 18Percent
This is a free online Slack community for anyone living with a mental health issue – no matter how small or large. When the company was founded 18.9% of Americans were living with mental illness. Even if you’re not dealing with a diagnosed mental illness, you are likely experiencing some anxiety during this pandemic. Join fellow Slackers for ongoing discussions.
Join here. Free.
