Mental health resources are at your your fingertips with the World Wide Web, but it can be overwhelming to dig through Google and find the most useful tools for yourself or a loved one.
We’ve spent some time exploring what mental health initiatives are out there and selected 10 of the best to share with you. Some we’ve used ourselves, others we have worked with, volunteer for, or often refer people to.
Take a look and let us know what you think of these resources and organisations. Have we missed any great ones? Let us know in the comments!
Not only does Headspace have centres all around Australia, but they also have a great online community. Designed to support 15-25 year olds struggling with mental health issues, this website links with the Headspace website and includes fact sheets, discussion, a helpline, online chat and email crisis help. eHeadspace will also point you to your closest Headspace centre so you can receive further help.
This Florida based non-profit exists to bring help and hope to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide, and is particularly appealing to teens and young adults as it has built its following around popular culture and music. TWLOHA’s website includes national helplines in America, great service providers in each US capital city, and a blog with contributions from people around the globe.
A world leader in diagnosis, treatment and suicide prevention, this non-profit organisation focuses on mental illness, specifically mood disorders. Partnering their research and hard facts with tips and tools to overcome depression, they have some great videos and campaigns that can be shared on social media.
RAAIN (Rape, abuse, and incest national network) is America’s largest anti-sexual assault organisation, partnering with rape crisis centres around the country. On their website, they educate the public around the sexual assault of children and adults, share stories of survivors, and provide extensive victim services. Aside from their online help service at online.raain.org, they also have a DoD safeline for members of the Defence community and a 24/7 phone line available for the public (+1 800 656-HOPE).
Created for LGBTQ and questioning youth, The Trevor Project fills the gap in educating and supporting teens as they explore their sexuality. Informing and supporting young people aged 13-24, this is a pivotal organisation for LGBTQ youth who struggle with mental illness or need an understanding community. Along with their website, they also have online chat, text and a 24/7 the ‘Trevor Lifeline’ (+1 866-488-7386)
Touchbase is an Australian website launched by the VAC that supports and educates LGBTQ people of all ages. It covers a variety of relevant topics, discussing everything from the effects of drugs and alcohol, to sexual health and mental health. Touchbase uses real stories from LGBTQ Australians to support and educate the community, and they also provide a toolkit and links to helplines and resources in each state.
The primary mental health initiative in Australia, this organisation raises awareness and educates people about depression and anxiety. They provide a suicide safety planning app ‘BeyondNow’, and use stories of Australians to educate the public so they can recognise mental illness in themselves and their loves ones. Beyond Blue also have a 24 hour support line (1300 22 4636).
Based in Washington DC, Active Minds exists to ‘eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness’. Empowering college students around the US to begin chapters on campus to educate and support the student body, the non-profit empowers young adults to speak up about mental illness and seek help during this pivotal time in life. You’ll find Active Mind’s social media activity useful for reaching teens and raising awareness in your own circles.
Ted Talks cover a vast range of topics, and if you delve into their archives, you’ll find some gems surrounding the topics of mental illness, community and vulnerability. Usually running for 10 minutes, talks are available for professionals like Brené Brown, and mental health advocates like comedian Kevin Breel. The Ted-Ed section also covers the educational aspect of mental illness, using simple graphics to explain the complexities of depression.
Are you or a loved one experiencing depression or anxiety? Do you need some support through a difficult situation? Here’s what you need to do: contact WatersedgeCounselling on 0434 337 245 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now.
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