YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Millions of Americans are living with mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 20.6% of adults experienced mental illness in 2019. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma against treating mental health. As a result, many might avoid seeking help. Less than half of those adults sought help (43.8%).
However, there is hope. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time to fight against this stigma, support those experiencing mental illness and their families, and to raise awareness through advocacy and education.
It’s important to understand that you are not alone, and that there is hope. No one should feel alone or without the information, support, and help that they need.
MY MENTAL HEALTH STORY
My earliest mental health diagnosis came in childhood. I was diagnosed with depression. Growing up with parents experiencing mental illnesses, my home life was unstable and at times abusive. My mother was a paranoid schizophrenic, and my father wrestles with his own bouts of depression. It was a turbulent, confusing time that I simply thought was normal.
Since I was a kid, I bounced in and out of therapy, and at times I was hospitalized due to my struggles with chronic depression. In my late teens and early adulthood, I abused prescription medications. At my lowest points, I would also experience suicidal ideation. I am a two-time suicide survivor.
As an adult approaching 40, only now do I feel I have created a stable environment where I am managing my mental health. I am fortunate to be in a supportive environment at both home and work where I am encouraged and supported with mental health treatment.
My wish is supporting others to get help sooner, so that you don’t have to suffer for so long. No one deserves or needs to experience this alone.
FREE ONLINE THERAPY
Living today is stressful. There’s no doubt about it. Combined with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, things can feel like they are spiraling out of control. Maybe you want to get help, but you don’t think you can afford it? It’s a big concern for many and is a major reason why some of us avoid seeking help.
However, there are free online therapy solutions out there! There are many websites and apps that offer free online therapy. Also, online therapy is very convenient. Pretty much no matter where you are, you can tap into these resources if you have an internet connection.
OnlineTherapy.com has evaluated the most popular online therapy services, analyzing them based on 14 key features that most people look for when seeking mental health support.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Call 1-800-273-8255 for help.
ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
- National Institute of Mental Health
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health
- American Psychological Association Office of Ethnic and Minority Affairs
- American Psychological Association Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity
- College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Conditions
- Job & Career Guide for People With Mental Illness
Updated November 2023.
Updated February 2024.