Resources to help with mental health

by Sandy Zhang on Jul 24th, 2023

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes things related to our emotional and psychological well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also determines how we handle stress and make choices.

Mental health is an essential part of one’s life. If one experiences mental health problems, one’s mood and behavior could be affected.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental illnesses are disorders that can range in severity. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness.

Many things can contribute to mental health conditions:

Biological factors
Life experiences
Family history of mental health problems

It’s important to take care of one’s mental health as it's closely linked to one’s physical health. Conditions like anxiety and depression have been linked to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. This is why seeking help is crucial if you're struggling mentally.

Student Mental Health

According to the American College Health Association, over three-quarters of college students (77%) experienced moderate to serious psychological distress, 35% of students were diagnosed with anxiety, and 27% had depression in 2022.

Triggers that may impact students’ mental health include academic pressures, isolation, discrimination, or losses.

Mental health problems can affect many parts of a student’s life, reducing their academic achievement, physical health, and satisfaction with the college experience. It could also negatively impact their relationship with friends and family members. These issues can even pose long-term consequences for students, affecting their future careers and overall health.

It’s essential that we take mental health seriously.

Most schools provide mental health resources but a lot of students feel like schools don’t do enough to take care of students’ mental health.

In this article, we’ll provide you with several other alternative resources to help you improve and take of your mental health. These resources include both in-person and online options.

In-person

SAMHSA’s National Helpline - SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

School mental health center - Every school has resources for mental health. One can search online for locations of their school’s mental health center. Other resources will also be posted on the school website.
Psychotherapy - “Talk-therapy” can be very helpful for those with mental health conditions. There are many therapists, but the type and length of therapy will depend on the individual.

Support Groups - A support group is a gathering of people who are facing similar issues to share what's troubling them. Through the sharing of individual experiences, they're able to offer support, encouragement, and comfort to other group members while receiving the same back.

Online

BetterHelp - Online therapy that you can do on your own time and at your own pace. There are real-time sessions with your therapist without leaving your home and send messages to your therapist anytime and from anywhere. It’s also relatively less expensive.

Breathhh - Breathhh is an AI-powered Chrome extension designed to automatically deliver mental health exercises based on an individual’s web activity and online behaviors. By monitoring and analyzing the user’s interactions, Breathhh can determine appropriate moments to present stress-relieving practices and strategies. This unique approach combines AI technology with practical mental health support, making it easy for users to incorporate self-care into their daily routines.

Youper - Youper’s mission as a healthcare technology company is to make mental healthcare accessible for everyone. The Youper AI assistant engages in meaningful conversations with users to understand their mental state and provide tailored solutions based on the insights gathered. This innovative approach ensures that individuals receive personalized support.

Sanvello - Sanvello is a mental wellness app that provides personalized mental health support by tracking users’ moods and helping them understand themselves. Additionally, it offers general peaceful practices while listening to natural sounds, such as medication, muscular relaxation, etc. It also provides peer support through a community where users can engage in discussions with others who are struggling with the same issues.

MindDoc - MindDoc offers a range of features to support different aspects of mental health, whether you’re looking to improve your overall well-being, track your moods, or reinforce positive strategies. It specializes in understanding mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and insomnia. The user-friendly interface allows easy access to helpful resources, exercises, and personalized recommendations.

Replika - Replika builds a digital persona of the individual based on personality features and eventually helps the individual cope with stress while improving their mental health. It offers users a safe space for self-exploration and emotional support.

MoodMission - This innovative app is designed to help users overcome depression and anxiety through evidence-based coping strategies. MoodMission encourages personal growth by suggesting tailored missions based on the emotions and experiences reported by the user. As one completes the missions, one will develop a broader understanding of their own mental health and discover new ways of managing their emotions.

Disclaimer - AI can sometimes give incorrect information to individuals so although AI can be a helpful resource, it is also important to get help in person. Find something that works for you. One’s safety and well-being is extremely important.

The list above is just a sample of resources, but they are not limited to just those. If none of these resources seem of use to you, you can also ask chatGPT to generate resources tailored to your needs.

For one suffering from anxiety, ChatGPT can generate a list of resources similar to the one below:

Of course! Dealing with anxiety can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help you cope and manage it effectively. Here's a list of resources that you might find beneficial:

1. Therapy and Counseling: Consider seeking help from a licensed therapist or counselor who specializes in anxiety disorders. They can provide personalized strategies and support to address your specific needs.

2. Self-Help Books: There are numerous books that offer valuable insights and practical techniques for managing anxiety. Some popular titles include "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne and "Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks" by Barry McDonagh.

3. Mobile Apps: There are several mobile apps designed to help with anxiety and stress reduction, such as Calm, Headspace, and Pacifica. These apps often offer meditation exercises, breathing techniques, and guided relaxation sessions.

4. Online Support Groups: Joining online communities or forums where people share their experiences with anxiety can be comforting and helpful. You can connect with others who understand what you're going through and gain valuable insights from their journeys.

5. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial for reducing anxiety. Resources like guided meditation videos on YouTube or apps like Insight Timer can be great starting points.

6. Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular exercise can have a positive impact on anxiety levels. Consider incorporating activities like yoga, walking, jogging, or dancing into your routine.

7. Breathing Techniques: Learning and practicing deep breathing exercises can help you manage anxiety in the moment. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 method can be particularly effective.

8. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): PMR is a technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce physical tension and anxiety.

9. Professional Organizations: Organizations like the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer valuable information and resources on anxiety disorders.

10. YouTube Channels and Podcasts: Look for reputable YouTube channels and podcasts focused on anxiety and mental health. They often share valuable insights and practical tips.

11. Educational Websites: Websites like PsychCentral, Mayo Clinic, and Verywell Mind provide reliable information on anxiety disorders and coping mechanisms.

12. Journals and Gratitude Practices: Keeping a journal to express your thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift your focus to positive aspects of life.

Remember that it's essential to approach anxiety management with patience and kindness to yourself. Different strategies work for different individuals, so explore various resources and techniques to find what suits you best. If your anxiety is severely impacting your daily life, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for personalized support.