Accessible Mental Health Resources & How To Access Them!
Greetings fellow voyagers of the mind aka working individuals seeking mental peace and stability! Well, you have come to the right place because we have an eccentric guide of accessible mental health resources, enabling you to navigate the unpredictable twists and turns that life throws at you!
#1 Online Support Communities
Starting with the most obvious and new age resource, that is, an online support community! The internet is a wonderful place to find everything you need if you have the eye for it.
And just like that… you’ll find a multitude of online support communities that bring together like-minded individuals, experiencing similar mental health struggles. These support communities help you find a virtual family that understands you and supports you, whether it’s mild depression or PTSD! Websites, forums, chat rooms, social media groups, and Instagram threads, you’ll find the support you’re looking for just about everywhere online!
#2 Crisis Intervention & Support Helplines
Support helplines are usually 24/7 available making them one of the most accessible resources to sustain your mental health!
You’d be surprised at how many helplines are available once you check online. These helplines are moderated by foundations supporting the cause of mental health and offer help in multiple languages pan-India, ensuring critical support during difficult times. Trained professionals including mental health first-aiders offer guidance, crisis intervention and referral services, should you require one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
#3 Mother Nature
Oftentimes, nature is where you’ll find the ultimate solace and serenity amidst all the chaos surrounding you.
Take a break from your everyday mundane work life and hop onto the nature wagon! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and submerge your worries and stress in the sound of the chirping birds, the waves of the ocean, the rustling of leaves, or the gush of wind. So go on, lace up your walking shoes or hiking boots, pack a snack or two and let nature be your mind’s “reset” button!
#4 Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Many companies, especially in these modern times offer these programs, either in-house or outsourced, as a part of their employee benefits package.
These Employee Assistance Programs can be either in-house or the company simply refers the employees to a service outside. A lot of companies also have nominated bodies for the same where the employees can find what they need. Such programs provide confidential counselling services and address the mental health concerns of the employees at their ease. Oftentimes, these benefits also extend to the immediate family members of the employees. A rather convenient resource for seeking mental health support, the idea is to enable the employees and uplift the overall morale of the workplace.
#5 Mental Health Volunteers
Last but definitely not the least! Volunteering for such causes can be a truly transformative experience for both you and the subject.
Especially if you’re passionate about mental health, volunteering your time and skills for organizations and communities dedicated to supporting individuals in need can actually do more good to your mental state than you’d assume. From helplines to crisis management centres and advocacy groups, there are numerous ways to make a difference and gain a sense of purpose and fulfilment, hence positively impacting your mental well-being!
Remember, accessing mental health services and resources should not pose
a barrier to seeking help. With the wide range of available options nowadays such as online platforms, helplines, stroll in nature, EAPs and everything in between, make use of these accessible and well-known resources as and when you need them to bud the issue right at its root! After all… who even wants to experience burnout, right?
It’s time to let go of the stigma, embrace your mental health, and grant yourself the liberty to truly care for your well-being.
