Another cover reveal on quarantine day!

If you’re in isolation right now, you’ve probably got one of three possible mindsets:
1. Oh God no I have nothing to do.
2. Oh God yes I have time to do things.
3. Oh God no I need money.

I’m going to touch on number 3 first. I’m immensely blessed to have safety nets (yes, more than one), and I recognize that. But most people are going to be in trouble in the coming months. I want to share two helpful solutions. The first is United Way, which has a relief fund to help people who are struggling to make ends meet. You can reach them at 866-211-9966, or online.

The second tip I haven’t verified, but there’s no harm in trying it. If you have bills you can’t pay, call the companies and tell them you have no income due to the Coronavirus. They can’t prompt you to say this, but once you do say it the guy on the line can help you. As I said, I haven’t verified this, but it’s not a stretch to assume companies have policies and practices already in place due to Corona.

Okay, now on to the other two mindsets! If you’re number one, you’re bouncing off the walls. I wish I had that kind of energy. But your job and time out of the house probably kept you anchored and gave you social connections. You might be stressed without social interactions. But there are some things you can do to help yourself daily: take walks, go for drives (without going to any shops!), exercise, and Skype with friends. If you need help beyond that, or experience other stresses, don’t hesitate to call your regular therapist – they may be available to talk over the phone. If you don’t have a therapist, or they’re out of the office for the foreseeable future, don’t panic! There are lots of resources still available. Here are just a few:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): (800) 950-6264 or info@nami.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): (800) 662-4357
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): (866) 615-6464
Mental Health America Hotline: Text MHA to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741

There are so many more – don’t hesitate to Google what you need.

Now as for me, I’m no introvert but I have been living for this moment! Sitting at home, work shuttered, no social obligations, time to read and WRITE! Maybe I’ll be singing a different tune in a month, but I’m excited to see what I can get done in this time I have to myself. I hope to finish the first book in my science fantasy series, and get The Fallowing’s files all set to upload for their pre-orders. And LOTS of editing.

How is everyone out there in your own houses, or working in the grocery stores? I hope everyone is healthy both physically and mentally, but if not please reach out to me if you need to. I’ve had my own struggles, and a crisis time like this only exacerbates underlying conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – there is always someone who can help you!