May 11, 2020
COVID-19 and the mandated quarantine period has presented many difficulties for parents.
During these challenging times, we often find ourselves thinking, “Am I the only one who is experiencing this?” Here are five local support groups offering virtual help to parents and caregivers.
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Virtual Parent Support Group
Autism Society of Greater New Orleans
ASGNO’s new community-based parent-led parent support group is a safe place to seek advice and support from peers who are experiencing the same struggles that you are. Seek solidarity, support, and suggestions from others who have worked for other people just like you!
The group meets every other Tuesday at 4 pm online. To RSVP, click here or email info@asgno.org.
Building Resilience
“Parenting During a Pandemic” is a guide filled with mental health and parenting tips for parents of young children. It lives on LCM’s website where there also is a downloadable version.
Also, join In Dialogue – a video chat series that addresses mental health issues for caregivers and their children. This series is recommended for adult caregivers only! You can join each Thursday from 1:30-2:30 pm or view past chats here.
Snuggles & Struggles
Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital
This popular new parenting class is now virtual! For parents and newborns – 6 months. Join Snuggles and Struggles each Tuesday at 10:30 am. Call 504.896.9591 or email chparenting@lcmchealth.org for the Zoom link.
Plus, join Breast and Bottle on Fridays from 9 am-noon. Here, the New Orleans Breastfeeding Center will offer support needed for nursing and bottle fed babies.
Also, join Parents’ Hour on Wednesdays at 10 am. This is just an opportunity for parents of young children to drop in, chat with other parents and a parent educator, and get ideas or support for whatever is happening in their lives. Call 504.896.9591 or email chparenting@lcmchealth.org for the Zoom link.
Mom Support & Community
Whether you want to meet other moms, virtually “get out of the house,” or receive postpartum or breastfeeding support, Nola Nesting is here for you!
Every Wednesday at 10:30 am, join their support group and find a community of moms like you.
Family Support Groups
National Alliance on Mental Health New Orleans
NAMI New Orleans offers free, peer-led Family Support Groups that are open to any adult with a family member or loved one living with a mental illness. Everyone has the opportunity to share their experiences with others in similar situations. You may learn of new resources and gain knowledge and confidence in dealing with your loved one’s mental illness.
Meetings are held on:
— the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6:30-8 pm
— the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 10:30 am-12:30 pm
— the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from noon-1:30 pm
Visit the calendar to see when the next class is scheduled and to register.
Important to know!
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, resources are available:
- Mobile Crisis Units: Call 504.826.2675 for Orleans/Plaquemines/St. Bernard Parishes and 504.832.5123 for Jefferson Parish. St. Tammany Parish residents can call 985.626.6538.
- The Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255 or via chat.
- 2-1-1 is a 24/7 helpline that provides comprehensive information and referral. Contact Center Specialists are trained to assist callers for a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, loneliness, interpersonal problems and financial issues. Call 2-1-1 or 504.269.2673.
- Crisis Text Line: by texting NAMI to 741741.
- Call 911 and tell the operator it is a mental health emergency.
- Go to your nearest emergency room.