May is ending, but the month isn't over yet, which means that I still have time to lend a voice in support of Mental Health Awareness Month. During Mental Health Awareness Month, individuals and organizations take a moment to help raise awareness of the need for self-care, better treatments, and an end to the unfair stigma that faces people struggling with mental health issues. To help do my part, I've pulled together some resources that can help people with mental illnesses as well as the parents, teachers, and loved ones who care about them.
- Mental Health for Parents and Caregivers: I've started talking to my girls about mental health pretty early in their lives because I think it's important. It's not always easy to do, though. This resource can help parents and caregivers know what to say, what to do, and what signs of poor mental health to look out for.
- Mental Health Resources for Parents of Adolescents: Adolescence is a turbulent time full of change, peer pressure, and other challenges. This page is full of resources that can help out parents of teens for any issue you can imagine. It includes treatment guides and service locators.
- Learning to Help Your Child and Family: This is another important resource for parents and caregivers. It will help you identify symptoms of mental health problems and guide you on what steps you should take next to help the child or children in your care.
- Mental Health for Educators: Teachers are in a special and important position to encourage good mental health and identify problems. This page gives ideas on how to promote good mental health in the classroom as well as on a schoolwide level. It will also tell you what to look out for to identify a student in need of mental health support.
- Psychology Today: This resource can help you find a therapist near you and get information on where they practice, what techniques they use, and the insurance they accept.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America: This site gives information on prevention and treatment of depression, anxiety, and related illnesses.
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder: Get information on where to find treatment for ADHD and locate local support groups here.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: This site has online support and can refer users to in-person support for depression and bipolar disorder.
- Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America: This organization manages the Schizophrenia Anonymous group, which is a network of self-help groups.
- Treatment and Research Advances for Borderline Personality Disorder: This referral center gives information on borderline personality disorder and treatment options.
- The Suicide Prevention Hotline: This very important resource is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: This organization is always available for those who are being abused and trying to escape from domestic violence. If you're a parent who's being abused by a partner, get help, both for you and for your child or children.
- International OCD Foundation: Learn more about OCD and get referrals from this organization dedicated to helping people who have obsessive compulsive disorder.
- To Write Love on Her Arms: This organization is popular with teens. It's dedicated to providing hope and help for those struggle with depression and self-harm.
- GriefShare: Grief can open the door to mental health struggles or trigger an existing mental health condition. GriefShare helps you connect with others who are going through the same things and can offer support.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart
No comments:
Post a Comment