5 Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
This post originally appeared on Chegg Play. It has been since been edited.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reduce stigmas and celebrate neuro-diversity. Studies show that college students are particularly in need of mental health resources, with 60% of college students reporting feeling anxious—and that’s when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic. There’s no shame in asking for help, so whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or just need some help finding your footing, here are some reliable resources focused on college students.
ULifeline
If you’re looking for a resource made specifically for college students, ULifeline is your go-to. Not only do they provide a crisis texting service that is centered around college stress, but they also offer guidance on how to help friends who are in need. They also have blog posts written by mental health experts that dive into college-specific struggles, like how to succeed in college while managing depression.
Online support groups
Support groups are a great way to connect with others while managing your mental health. While most of us are unable to travel right now, there are lots of online support groups to choose from. ADAA provides an online support group that specifically focuses on anxiety and depression. MHA is a “support group and discussion community” that helps you find and connect with people who are experiencing similar struggles. For a support group run by mental health professionals, check out Turn2Me, a service offering group discussions and covering a wide range of topics.
The Trevor Project
Many people don’t know that members of the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to suffer from a mental illness, but luckily there are plenty of resources to help. The Trevor Project was born out of an award-winning film that highlighted the struggles of LGBTQ+ young adults, and now the foundation is dedicated to helping them find resources. On their site, you’ll find texting and instant messaging resources with specialists who are well-versed in the struggles of LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. You can also find a guide book to help you with coming out, along with additional resources for trans individuals.
NAMI
The National Association on Mental Illness is one of the leading resources for mental illness in the United States. They have centers in nearly every major town in the country, and also offer virtual resources for those who don’t live near a chapter. They offer classes, seminars, and support groups, and can connect you with mental health professionals in your area. If you’re looking for a way to get involved in mental health advocacy, NAMI is a great place to start as they hold several annual events.
The Jed Foundation
This organization is dedicated to helping teens, young adults, and their families understand mental health. If you’re new to the topic and wanting to find reliable information, Jed has plenty of articles for you to browse. They also have their own texting service where you can get crisis help for free, and social media initiatives like Love is Louder. This campaign focuses specifically on ending stigmas and reaching out to those in need, no matter where they are. With the slogan, “love is louder than the distance between us,” individuals can feel empowered to reach out and help others feel less alone.
Many students struggle with their mental health, but with awareness growing stronger every year, together we can create a community and conversation to help those in need. Ending the stigma starts with open and honest dialogue, which is what Mental Health Awareness Month is all about.
