Mental Health Master List - Resources to Use and Share!
By: Emily Sinclair Montague and The Fem Word Team
Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash
October Tenth is World Mental Health Day!
Today is World Mental Health Day, and it’s never been more relevant than right now, in 2020. As we all go through unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and related stress, many of us have had mental health on our minds (so to speak).
As mental illness and psychological challenges become a more accepted topic of discussion globally, it has also become clear that the inequality in access to resources regarding these challenges is a problem. Here at The Fem Word, we believe that everyone deserves access to healing and help, whether you are dealing with a diagnosed mental illness or a temporary bout of symptoms due to current circumstances.
To provide support and help more people access the help they need, we’ve put together a list of free and low-cost resources for you to use and share. Feel free to add your own by commenting, posting, and spreading the word on your social media pages and on other platforms!
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Therapy Resources
There are many different kinds of therapy available these days, from simple “talk therapy” with a licensed counselor to more intensive options like CBT and Psychoanalysis. Depending on the symptoms you are struggling with and your needs as an individual, what works best for you might vary. It’s a good idea to do some research and try different kinds of therapy to find your perfect fit.
Here are some free and low-cost resources to help you get started.
Pro Bono Counseling Project - This nonprofit is focused on Maryland residents who can’t afford the cost of traditional counseling services. You can contact them via their website or by calling them at (410) 825-1001.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective - The OPPC connects you with low-cost therapists from all backgrounds and provides an excellent and nondiscriminatory option for those who have no insurance or face other barriers to care. Their extensive website provides a long list of services and resources that you can utilize, so give it a look!
Open Counseling - This is another resource that will help connect you to free, sliding-scale, or otherwise affordable mental health professionals. You can search based on your zip code or other residential info and will be provided with a list of potential matches based on where you live and your personal needs. They also provide good information on a state-by-state basis regarding public mental health programs, which are funded by your taxes.
BetterHelp - This is an online service with a strong reputation for bringing people together with low cost therapy for a wide range of mental health challenges. Whether you are facing long standing symptoms or temporary struggles, this is a great option for getting matched with someone who can help you work through them.
Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions (CIMHS) - This service also has a positive reputation, and the goal of the organization is to connect people with validated, affordable (or free) online therapy solutions. As the popularity of online therapy increases, a service like CIMHS can prove useful as it helps you to wade through your options and find one that is tried and tested by people facing the same struggles.
7 Cups - Online chat therapy can be more helpful than you might think. 7 Cups connects you to a verified listener who will listen to you as you explain your symptoms and struggles, and will provide both a sympathetic ear and a number of useful outlets for developing solutions to the challenges you’re facing. This is a service based on the proven benefits of traditional “talk therapy” and it has been reviewed by many different users.
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Mental Health Apps and Web-Based Resources
The growing popularity of mobile therapy applications is a testament to its effectiveness for many users. While choosing from the many options can be a bit intimidating, it’s well worth the time investment. Organizations such as the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) have helpful lists and reviews to make the process easier.
Here are a few options you might want to consider, some of which are free and some of which charge a fee to use.
Headspace - This app and website provides free exercises and advice to guide you through symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or other stressful conditions. Whether it’s a guided breathing technique or various kinds of self-reflection, you can find a wide variety of resources here without spending a dime.
Talkspace - While not free like some of the other options, this online therapy application is still far more affordable than a tradition psychologist. If you have some money, but not enough to afford many mainstream options, this is a great compromise. You can do text, video, or other forms of therapy online for a monthly price. You can adjust the cost and program parameters based on your needs, which is especially useful.
Mindshift CBT - Created by the Anxiety Canada organization, this free application has a strong reputation and is aimed at helping users cope with and relieve symptoms relating to a wide array of anxiety disorders. If you are unsure about trying the app, the $0 price tag means you won’t lose anything by giving it a try.
Depression CBT Self-Help Guide - This app is simple and effective, guiding you through well-studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods to help treat the symptoms of depression and related challenges. From articles to guided exercices to its inclusive mental health diary, the app is thorough as well as backed by the most up-to-date research.
Sanvello - If you are struggling with high stress, whether or not it’s related to a diagnosed disorder or just difficult circumstances, this application provides numerous ways to cope and improve your quality of life. There is both a free and premium option, depending on your needs.
Moodfit - Beginning with a thorough survey to help target your own individual challenges, this app will help you to develop a holistic program of habits, routines, practices, and coping strategies to deal with any mental health symptoms you might be facing.
MoodMission - This program is thoroughly evidence-based and uses positive reinforcement via “rewards” to help you develop a lifestyle oriented around improved mental health. The creators of the program have utilized numerous studies to develop the program and have also published research of their own to explore the app’s impact. The unique system is still being researched, and the creators encourage feedback to help them continue developing it.
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Mental Health Information Resources
The first and most ongoing step in improving your mental health is to learn as much about it as possible. Information is power, and in this day and age there is an abundance of it available at your fingertips. Understanding your symptoms, where they come from, and what to expect from them is empowering as well as practically applicable.
While seeking professional counseling and therapy is encouraged, you still have resources if this is not an option for you. By knowing your own mental health intimately and doing the research necessary for understanding it, you can begin to develop your own methods and lifestyle changes for a happier, more resilient mind.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America - This nonprofit organization is a literal life-saver for many people, and its website provides a huge array of articles, podcasts, ebooks, and other media to inform and guide those who suffer from the symptoms of Anxiety or Depression and related disorders. Check out their “learn from us” page to access these resources and more!
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - A national, taxpayer-funded resource, the NIMH has an up-to-date website with many worthwhile informational resources that can provide you with help and healing no matter your background or struggles. Take the time to familiarize yourself with their site - I can guarantee it’ll be worth it.
Psychology Today - The Psychology Today website is a well-respected resource that helps users to do everything from find a licensed therapist to self-diagnose using the official DSM criteria. The link provided here allows you to choose the disorder you suspect you might be suffering from or which you have been diagnosed with, and then gives you insightful information and useful resources tailored to your struggles.
Barnes & Noble Free Mental Health Ebooks - A lot of people are unaware that sellers such as Barnes and Noble provide a large number of free self-help and workbooks relating to mental health struggles and diagnoses. These can be either interactive or information depending on your needs, and since they’re free, you can try as many as you want!
MindWellness Free Ebooks - If you want free ebooks you can download right onto your laptop or phone, these are a good option to investigate. The three books cover Depression, overall mental wellness, and eating disorders.
Smashwords Mental Health Ebooks - Again, these books can be downloaded onto any device and you can find books covering pretty much any mental health topic you’d like to explore. No cost means no risk, and you can find workbooks, journals, or self-help titles as needed.
Mind ReMake Project - With dedicated sections for printables, worksheets, handouts, and assessment tools, this website is a goldmine. It’s easy to navigate and you can try as many downloads as you want and find resources that work for you. These allow you to essentially develop your own therapy program, which can be enormously effective when done in an informed manner.
PDF Drive - Whether it’s the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), used by all psychology professionals the world over, or engaging self-help workbooks, you can find numerous resources on this site. Use due caution to avoid pirating resources - make sure to look at reviews and navigate the site carefully - as this is not as well-regulated as some other sites. Still, many people have found incredibly helpful resources on PDF Drive and it is worth a look.
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In Conclusion…Mental Health is A Journey.
Mental Health is a personal journey that all of us have to learn to navigate throughout our lives. Although this holiday brings much-needed attention to the topic, it is something that follows us 24/7, 365 days a year. Give you mental health the attention and care it deserves by doing research, trying out therapy options, and utilizing the growing array of therapeutic technologies available online.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to speak up if you are struggling. The world can be a challenging, frightening place, but you aren’t alone. This isn’t a cliche, it’s a fact. People like The Fem Word team, your loved ones, and countless nonprofit collaborators are cheering for you and want to help you live the happiest life possible. You don’t need to feel like a one-person island when it comes to your struggles.
If you are struggling with addiction or addictive behaviors, help can be found right now through the SAMHSA hotline at 1-800-662-4357. If you are feeling suicidal or think someone you know might be contemplating self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Don’t wait - help is available and waiting.
Thanks for joining us as we bring the topic of mental health to the fore and seek new ways to connect, learn, and grow together. Please share this post and spread the knowledge - you never know who needs it. If you have any additional resources to share, or if you’ve tried any of the ones listed and have an opinion or review, we’d love to hear it. Comment or tag us on social media and let us know your thoughts!
Here’s to healthy, joyful lives and a determined hope for our collective future. We’re all in this together.
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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Fem Word organization. Any content provided by our authors are based on their opinions and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.