Phila.gov
Tips for Your Mental Well-Being During the Work Stoppage
View tips as downloadable PDF ‘one-pager’
Stressful times can take a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Strikes can bring stress, worry, and uncertainty. No matter your role, caring for your health is important — especially during tough times.
The City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services shares these tips to support your mental health:
- Stay informed (but not overwhelmed).
- Follow trusted sources like phila.gov/work-stoppage for updates on service changes and trash drop-off sites.
- Too much news or social media can raise stress. Set limits and notice how it affects your mood.
- Prioritize self-care.
- Stick to routines for meals, sleep, and daily tasks to feel balanced.
- Make time for calming activities like deep breathing, going outside, or hobbies.
- Eat well, drink water, and rest. Cut back on caffeine or alcohol if they raise anxiety. A short walk can lift your mood.
- Lean on your support system.
- Stay connected to friends, family, and neighbors — talking helps.
- Engage with your community for both emotional and practical support.
- Manage expectations.
- Some disruptions will happen. Focus on what you can control, like using trash drop-off sites or planning for delays.
- Emergency services — 911 and 988 — are still available.
- Ask for help if you need it.
- Notice how you’re feeling. Anxiety and depression are treatable. It’s OK to not feel OK — you’re not alone.
- Visit HealthyMindsPhilly.org for free screenings and resources.
- In a crisis, call or text 988, help is available 24/7.
The DBHIDS Approach
We believe in recovery, resilience, and wellness for everyone. Mental health is community health. Take
care of yourself – and each other – as we work toward a more equitable, inclusive future.
Managing “strike stress” requires a focus on understanding and resolution.
Practicing empathy helps restore trust and rebuild strong,
positive working relationships during and after the strike.
— Marquita C. Williams
Interim Commissioner
City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health
and Intellectual disAbility Services
View tips as downloadable PDF ‘one-pager’