Mental health starter pack
These resources and bits of content were helpful for many of us in the Waiting Room community. Some will help you to find care. Others make for great distractions, ways to relax, or might induce laughter and smile lines. All of these links take you to external sites. Remember, I am not a mental health professional. Think of these tips as advice from a friend who cares. Because I do.
Care providers
If you or someone you know needs help from a mental health professional in the United States, these resources are a great place to start. You can also contact your health insurance company to find covered providers. The number to call is listed on the back of your insurance card. If you do not have insurance coverage, many therapists will work with you at a reduced rate based on your income.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Anonymous and available 24/7. Dial 988 to speak with someone who can help you through a crisis. Find resources and help for whatever you need—including LGBTQ+ support, maternal mental health, Black mental health, disability support, and Spanish language support.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Find care options for substance use and mental health needs anywhere in the United States.
Favorite books
The beauty of Waiting Room is that it allows me to have conversations with other people who have different perspectives than I do. Another great place to start is by reading their stories in books. I’ve listed some of my favorite books here. Newsletter subscribers receive more of my favorites, so sign up!
Educated by Tara Westover
The true story of a young woman who was seventeen the first time she stepped into a classroom. Heartfelt and real, Tara instills hope in her readers as she reveals her path to becoming educated in every sense of the word.
The Little Book of Big Lies by Tina Lifford
Like talking to a kind, compassionate older sister, this book (and the audiobook version) is hard to put down. It helped me through some of my most difficult moments.
A Thousand Names for Joy by Byron Katie
A collection of short essays that provide a fresh perspective. Read this when you need to get out of your head and into some healthier thoughts.
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck
Start here if you are ready to make a big change in your life. Beck outlines the way to make big changes that align with who you really are and the life that is meant for you.
This Is Not The Story You Think It Is by Laura Munson
A memoir about midlife, raising children, navigating a difficult marriage, and trying to find career success, all while maintaining a positive, mindful outlook.
Maid by Stephanie Land
The true story of a dedicated single mother who works hard for inadequate pay, while fulfilling the dreams she has for her future. Land is inspiring and positive, though she does include content about domestic violence that may be triggering.
Audio and video
Sometimes it helps to let someone else do the talking. If you’re looking for great advice, a healthy distraction, or to laugh out loud, I’ve got you covered. Check out my favorite videos, podcasts, and series.
“How To Fix a Broken Heart” by Guy Winch (TED Talk)
Going through a breakup? Feeling rejected? Put down the ice cream and give this TED Talk a listen. Guy Winch is a psychologist who knows his stuff about relationships. In a few short minutes, he compassionately explains why we get stuck on certain people and how to move forward. If you love the talk, he has a book by the same name. I recommend it.
Therapy Thoughts podcast
Tiffany Roe is a licensed therapist who provides great advice, compassionate conversations, and professional-strength coping skills. If you are waiting for mental health care, get a head start by listening to Therapy Thoughts.
Ologies podcast
If you need a healthy distraction, this podcast is filled with facts about science brought to you by experts. Alie Ward, the host, is a delight. You will feel better and you will learn something in every episode. Win-win!
Joe Pera Talks With You - TV show
When a show has an episode entitled Joe Pera Talks You To Sleep, you know it is going to be relaxing. Family-friendly and funny, this is one of my favorite things to pull from my anxiety toolkit.
“True Facts: The Lemur” by Ze Frank - YouTube Video
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Once you go down the rabbit hole with Ze Frank’s “True Facts” videos, there is no turning back. Start with “The Lemur” and see what happens. Cute, funny, and well-narrated, you will learn about animals while laughing at the commentary. A great distraction that also leaves you smarter. May occasionally be NSFW (not safe for work).
Things to do
It helps me to stay busy in healthy, creative ways. Try these ideas if you would like to do something out of the ordinary.
Random Note Project
Make someone’s day while staying anonymous. Write a kind thought on a slip of paper. Include the URL: www.randomnoteproject.com on the bottom of the paper. Hide the note someone in plain sight for a stranger to find. If you need to adhere it, use painter’s tape so as not to damage anything. Check the Random Note Project website and social pages to see what your note meant to the person who found it.
The Kindness Rocks Project
Make some art and inspire your community. Follow the tips on the website to paint a rock, hide it in your travels, and see who finds your uplifting work of art.
Wordle
I would be remiss to leave out the addictive, viral word game that starts my day every morning. Brought to you by The New York Times, you can only play once per day. And no, I do not use the same starting word each time. Brag about your smarts on social with the hashtag #waitingroomwordle.