Mental Health and Self-Care Resources for Nurses and Medical Practitioners

Being a nurse is incredibly rewarding but can be extremely stressful and difficult at times. Now, more than ever, it’s important for nurses to take care of themselves and tend to their mental health. Below is a compilation of resources we’ve created that we hope you’ll find helpful.

Stress Management and Mental Health

• American Holistic Nurses Association’s Guide to Stress Management

• HelpGuide’s Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief

• American Psychiatric Nurses Association Managing Stress and Self-Care during COVID-19

• American Medical Association Managing Mental Health During COVID-19

• 9 Dimensions of Wellness from American Nurse Today

• American Nurses Association Mental Health Help for Nurses

• CDC Coping With Stress

• CDC Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

• Talkspace online therapy services

Coping with COVID-19

• A series of webinars from Ohio State University on Staying Calm and Well in the Midst of the COVID-19 Storm

• National Academy of Medicine Resources to Support the Health and Well-Being of Clinicians During the COVID-19 Outbreak

• COVID-19 Resources from Ohio State University

• NPR article about grief during COVID-19

• Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress article about Sustaining the Well-Being of Healthcare Personnel During COVID-19

• Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation’s Six Tips for Nurses Coping With COVID-19

Health and Fitness

• Exos At Home: Free workout videos

• CDC article about Managing Fatigue During Times of Crisis

• Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress article about Sleep Health for Healthcare Workers

Meditation

• Insight Timer: Free app for meditation, sleep, and relaxation

• Buddhify: Affordable meditation app to fit a busy schedule

• Headspace: Meditation and mindfulness app

• Calm: Music, exercises, meditation, sleep stories

Family Support

• Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress article about Supporting Families of Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19

Financial Support

• Non-profit dedicated to helping nurses in need through grants

Grief and Bereavement

• Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation Dealing with the Death of a Patient

• Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Grief Leadership during COVID-19

• Helping Your Team Navigate Grief in Crisis

Support Groups

• American Holistic Nurses Association’s virtual “Compassionate Listening Circles”

• American Journal of Nursing & Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s Frontline Nurses 

National Hotlines

National Parent Helpline

Emotional support and parent advocacy, Monday - Friday 1pm - 10pm

1 855-427-2736

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices.

1 800-273-8255

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Visit www.samhsa.gov for additional information.

1 800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline

1-800-985-5990

Crisis Textline

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform.