A resource is something, either inside or outside of yourself, that helps fulfill a need.
An inside (internal) resource might be the ability to reach out for help or to breathe deeply for five minutes when feeling scatter-brained or angry. An outside (external) resource may be a counselor, class, or instructions in how to breathe deeply.
Below you will find a host of local external resources that I have put together with the intention of helping you build your internal ones. They are affordable and many are tried and true by clients, friends, family and/or myself throughout the years.
Parenting.
If you identify that your world's-most-difficult-and-important-job of being a parent is leading to distress, or you simply want more support around parenting...
Natural Resources (415-550-2611) is "your local pregnancy, birth and early parenting resource center." On a larger scale is the godmother of postpartum support
Postpartum Support International (1-800-994-4PPD) is dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. We also work to educate family, friends and healthcare providers so that moms and moms-to-be can get the support they need and recover. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
Talk Line Family Support Center (415-441-5437) provides a 24/7 hotline for parents, and supportive, homelike setting where parents and caregivers can come to find resources/referrals, receive counseling, meet and share feelings and concerns with other parents, attend a support or parenting skills group, use the free phone, computer and printer, or just relax, enjoy free refreshments and spend some time apart from their children. There is a children's playroom, where children are supervised while parents are receiving services.
sfkids.org, which cyber-houses loads of information for families - from kid-friendly activities to legal and housing resources - "is designed to help every family in every neighborhood of our beautiful City raise healthy, happy children from babies to young adulthood."
Yoga.
If you think there's a reason everyone and their mom is doing yoga, and want to reap the benefits of this mind-body-spirit practice, here’s a list of some of our fav places to go.
415-821-1117
917-573-YOGA
Yoga on the Labyrinth at Grace Cathedral
Tuesdays at 6:15, Grace Cathedral 1100 California Street
Sundays at 11:00 at Dolores Park 19th Street and Dolores Street
They have 7 Bay Area studios. Check out the website for specific locations
*There are dozens of other yoga studios in the area, many of which offer low-cost trials for new students. This is a great way to get acquainted with the practice without putting a hole in your wallet*
There's an app for that: Om Finder
Anxiety.
If you or someone you know is experiencing worries/ fear/ unease that feel a little extra annoying or debilitating...
Try this exercise or these herbs! If anxiety is impacting your sleep, try this bundle of interventions.
There's an app for that: Anxiety Free, MindShift, PTSD Coach
Depression.
If you have a hunch (or someone has implied) that your sadness is moving past normal range-either in length of time or intensity (yes this can be very subjective, but let your curiosity lead you to some clarity)...
Read this post about how your depressive symptoms are lying to you, try this mindfulness tool, and/or check out this online mood tracker!
There's an app for that: Live Happy, Senti, iChill.
Grief.
If you are suffering from the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a major part of your life due to injury, job loss, etc...
Hospice by the Bay (415-626-5900) provides, in addition to medical hospice care, individual, family, and group counseling for those experiencing or anticipating a loss. For children and youth, they also provide a brief summer camp. Josie's Place (415-513-6343) offers peer facilitated support to children, youth, and families.
Read this personal post about the loss of my therapist!
There's an app for that: Grief Support
Mindfulness.
If you are in your head all the time in a way that hinders instead of helps, if you are ready to believe the neuroscience that says that meditation is proven to help with stress reduction and pain management, if you are looking for a calm and supportive setting to flirt with or commit to a practice...
Spirit Rock (415-488-0164) is dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha as presented in the vipassana tradition. The practice of mindful awareness, called Insight meditation, is at the heart of all the activities at Spirit Rock. We provide silent meditation retreats, as well as classes, trainings, and Dharma study opportunities for new and experienced students from diverse backgrounds with a willingness to develop their own practice. Pricing varies per workshop/program, but volunteer/work-study is usually an option.
Zen Center (415-863-3136) offerings include daily meditation and service,semi-weekly talks, classes, workshops,retreats, residential student programs, and the opportunity to discuss one's spiritual practice with an experienced Zen practice leader.
Try this guided meditation!
There's an app for that: Simply Being, Transform Your Life, Mindfulness Coach, Calm - Meditate, Sleep, Relax, Insight Timer
Self Compassion.
If you've been hearing the term thrown around a lot, that's because relating to all your various parts (yes, even the wrong-side-of-the-bed, self-critical, yelled-at-the-kids ones) in a healthy way is beyond powerful. Don't believe me. Check out...
Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion Website for education, tools, meditations, videos, self-assessments, book recommendations, you name it.