Mental Health Support
If you’re struggling with mental illness, we want you to know you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with a disorder or are currently going through behavioral health treatment, having a strong support system can help you manage your condition and work toward recovery. Learning about all of the mental health support options available is the first step.
Support Groups
Mental health support groups offer hope and understanding for those who have gone through or are currently going through similar experiences. Not only is it comforting to talk to people who truly understand what you’re experiencing, it’s also educational. Learning about the challenges other people have faced and how they dealt with them can help you prepare for the future.
There’s no shortage of support groups for individuals with mental illness, and there are many ways to find the right one for you. If you’re looking for a mental health support group near your community, the organizations listed below are a good place to start:
Emotional Support
Being able to talk openly about your condition with someone you trust – whether that person is a family member, close friend, therapist or mentor – is an effective coping mechanism. Although it may be uncomfortable at first, finding someone to confide in without being judged or criticized will help you through the ups and downs. This person is someone who respects you, understands you and supports you even when you make mistakes. Interacting with someone you trust can help you talk about your mental illness more openly.
Self-Education
After you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, be proactive and do your research. Learning everything you can about your disorder will help you better understand your illness and what you can do to manage it outside of treatment. Being knowledgeable about your mental illness can also be beneficial during treatment, by enabling you to work with your doctor to make improvements and decisions that feel right to you. Ask your doctor questions and be very open about you how you truly feel, to make sure you’re receiving the best care possible.
Seek Help
Now that you’re aware of all of your support options and resources, it’s time to reach out. Here are a couple of additional things to consider:
- If you’re having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right away at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911 immediately.
- If you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms and don’t need to seek help immediately, contact your primary care physician as soon as possible for an appointment.