Open San Diego, Open Feelings

Tips and Resources to Support Mental Well-Being

Open schools, changing mask rules—it’s what we’ve all been waiting for, right? Change can be hard though, and many people feel like they were just getting comfortable with social distancing. Things are reopening, but many of us are out of practice. Small talk, office meetings, even seeing friends in person can all feel strange.

If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, or is struggling with substance use as COVID-19 restrictions lift, keep scrolling for tips and resources to help cope.

  • It’s Okay to Not Feel Okay

    Listening and supporting one another can be one of the most helpful things to do when we’re feeling emotional pain. You deserve to open up about your feelings. Call the Access & Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.

  • Together Again

    Spending time with family, seeing friends, going on dates… These are all important parts of caring for our mental health, but many people still feel “weird” or “off” going outside again.

  • It might not be realistic to expect things to feel the same after the past year and a half, so now is a chance to try something new. Here’s a list of activities you can do to shake things up.

    Live Freely

  • Family Life After COVID-19

    Many San Diegan families are feeling worried about being apart after this year and a half together—and that’s natural. As spouses return to work and kids head to school, it’s easy to feel isolated from your support system. Reach out for mental health support to help keep your family happy and mentally well.

    Resources for Parents

  • Older Adults Experiencing Increased Isolation

    Older adults have been facing especially difficult challenges this past year. Increased risk of COVID-19 and social distancing have caused widespread feelings of isolation, and many are dealing with grief as close friends were lost to the virus. 46% of older adults report that the pandemic has affected their mental health, and 2 in 3 now have difficulty falling asleep.

  • Reach out to older adults who may feel alone and let them know that you’re here for them. Here are some tips on reaching out.

    Helping Older Adults

    And if you’re an older adult experiencing these challenges, it’s okay to talk about it. Call the Access & Crisis Line today at (888) 724-7240. There are people here for you.

  • Substance Use Support

    Mental health and substance use very often go hand in hand, especially during times of extreme stress. In fact, 40% of US adults reported struggling with mental health challenges or substance use during the pandemic. If you feel like you may be struggling too, you’re not alone.

    Think about the reasons your substance use may have increased:

  • Overwhelmed or stressed out?

  • Feeling isolated?

  • Wanting time to pass quickly?

  • Social Stressor

If you are experiencing challenges with substance use, reach out for support. Help is available.

Substance Use Resources

  • Over 50% of health care workers are experiencing compassion fatigue.

  • 3 out of 4 health care workers are experiencing emotional exhaustion.

  • First Responders are 5 times more likely to experience depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Healthcare workers have done amazing work this past year. Now, it’s time to take care of yourself, too. There are many resources dedicated to helping health care workers with their mental health, so please remember that you deserve to feel better, too.

Health Care Workers

There is confidential behavioral health support for First Responders: Fire Captain Ryan J. Mitchell’s First Responders Behavioral Health Program. The program provides a hotline and education on behavioral health and substance use disorders. Call 1-833-YU-FIRST or check out the site.

First Responders