Resources
even the darkest night will end
and the sun will rise
Victor Hugo's Les Miserables
As always, if you are in an emergency, please call 911.
Local Resources
Check out these wonderful resources to help answer questions or for more immediate support.
Problems in relationships?
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence - for relationship abuse and/or violence
Faith House - for relationship violence in the Acadiana area
Hearts of Hope - sexual assault and response for children and adult survivors
Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault - education, support, and information about sexual abuse, trauma, and exploitation
Codependents Anonymous - for those feeling overwhelmed, neglected, and out of control in relationships
Al-Anon - for friends and family members with a loved one dealing with substance use
Unstable mental health/recovery?
Healing House - grief/loss
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - support for clients and families coping with a major mental health issue
Alcoholics Anonymous - follows the 12 Steps of recovery for those with problem drinking
Narcotics Anonymous - follows the 12 Steps of recovery for those with substance abuse concerns
Oceans Behavioral Hospital - support for psychiatric emergencies, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric stabilization
Victory Addiction Recovery Center - support for addiction recovery; detox, inpatient, and outpatient services available
Celebrate Recovery - follows the 12 Steps of recovery for those desiring a more Christian-focused recovery path
Refuge Recovery - offering an alternative to 12 Steps though similar recovery focus
Coping Skills
There are lots and Lots and LOTS of coping skills that can be used to help live a stable, healthy life. Below are some of our favorites. The best thing about coping skills is that they can change over time depending on what your needs are and/or what season of life you might be in. So even if something didn't work for you 10 years ago, you might decide to try it again and it fits perfectly into your life.
Meditation
Guided meditation uses directions to guide the listener to a specific point of focus, image to visualize, or even a sense of connection/ reconnection with a Higher Power.
Mindful meditation is a practice of being in the moment, practicing stillness, and is frequently done by beginning and ending with bells with limited audio stimulation.
Yoga is a body-mind-spirit way to connect. With numerous styles of practice, it can support mental focus and stability as well as deepen a spiritual connection.
Exercise
Almost especially when we don't feel like it, exercise is one of the most beneficial things we can do for our mental health and mind-body-spirit health. Getting active can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Some activities to try:
Go for a walk
Hike a nature trail
Bike ride through your neighborhood
Play basketball with some friends
Go swimming
Try a barre, yoga, or Zumba class
Hit a punching bag
Start kickboxing or martial arts
Distraction
Give your mind and heart a break by giving yourself some space and focusing on something totally different. You may decide to do that with others or by yourself.
Watch a funny movie
Work on a puzzle
Read
Play a game
Create art
Listen to music
Explore a new hobby
Work on a craft
Mindfulness
Practice an "attitude of gratitude" by journaling about what you're grateful for on a daily basis.
Incorporate daily reflections at the end of your day, or start each day with an inspirational quote to set the stage for the day ahead.
Have daily - or more frequent - conversations with your Higher Power
Drink a hot cup of fragrant tea or fresh coffee and notice the warmth and smell fill you with peace
Books that Help
Addiction Recovery:
The "Big Book" of Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
NA Step Working Guide
Drop the Rock by Sara S. and Todd W.
When the Servant Becomes the Master by Jason Z.W. Powers
Finding Yourself:
Burnout by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Rising Strong by Brené Brown
The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eger
Relationships:
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
Facing Codependency by Pia Melody
Facing Love Addiction by Pia Melody
Spirituality:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Trauma Recovery:
Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro
Tapping In by Laurel Parnell
The Body Keeps The Score by Van der Kolk*
*some descriptions may be triggering for readers, so proceed with caution