“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation about illnesses that affect not only individuals, but their families as well.”
― Glenn Close
There is a lot of stigma in our world around mental illness and emotional disorders. Understanding and taking care of your mental health is not just for those with a particular diagnosis.
On this page you'll find links to organizations and resources to assist you in your journey -- whether your journey is being a support person for someone in your life, an advocate for people with invisible disabilities, or a very brave individual taking the first step into understanding themselves.
*Obligatory side-note: I am not in any way connected with, sponsored by or paid to list these specific organizations. I am always happy to learn about other resources, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me with suggestions for the page.
Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat.
Great for: Online support, starting your journey, anonymous
7 Cups offers online support groups, chat rooms, and forums for members to share their feelings, provide daily check-ins, discuss their experiences with depression, and share encouragement and support.
No Shame On U is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the people who need help to seek it, for family members and friends to know how to provide proper support and to save lives.
Great for: Support resources, friends and family, advocates
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Great for: Support resources, education, starting the journey
ADAA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.
Great for: Support resources, education, online community
Offering comprehensive online mental health treatment options including video call and messaging. Online mental health self-evaluation.
Great for: Starting your journey, online support, teens
Depression and other mood disorders are the number-one risk factor for suicide, but alcohol and drug abuse are a close second. A guide to help people understand the connection between suicide and substance abuse.
Great for: Co-occurring conditions, addiction recovery
BC2M is a non-profit awareness and advocate group focused on open conversation regarding mental illness and ending stigma.
Great for: General education, friends and family, activists
Their mission is to promote the use of art therapy and creative expression to develop fresh perspectives and practice new patterns that lead to personal and professional wellness and growth.
Great for: Virtual resources, art therapy, online support
NMW (No Matter What) is an organization based in Los Angeles, CA but also has some great information and resources for those of us who do not reside in or near L.A.
Great for: De-stigmatizing mental illness, addiction education
Rehab Spot's mission is to promote wellness with a completely free web guide. Many people experience addictions in themselves or someone they know.
Great for: Addiction education; understanding treatment options and contacts for treatment programs near you
+1 (800) 273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
+1 (800) 799-7233 National Domestic Violence Hotline
+1 (800) 784-2433 National Hopeline Network
+1 (800) 366-8288 Self-Harm Hotline
+1 (800) 222-1222 American Association of Poison Control Centers
+1 (800) 622-2255 Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line
+1 (800) 233-4357 National Crisis Line, Anorexia and Bulimia
+1 (888) 843-4564 GLBT Hotline
+1 (877) 565-8860 The Trans Lifeline