Support for Mental Health Issues

Mental health support for yourself

These resources will help you find the right support for your mental health, whether it’s how to connect with a qualified professional, dealing with stigma related to mental health, or understanding the differences between psychological conditions and everyday mental well-being.

Finding a therapist or counselor

Therapy and counseling offer invaluable support, whether you're navigating everyday challenges or seeking treatment for mental health concerns. The key to achieving the positive outcomes you seek is feeling motivated to see change and connecting with the right professional.

Find more information on how to find the right therapy and counselling here.

Support for mental health stigma

Despite ongoing efforts, negative perceptions, attitudes, and stereotypes about mental illness remain a widespread cultural issue. This pervasive mental health stigma deeply affects those struggling, often leading them to feel ambivalent or, in some cases, to avoid seeking professional help.

More information and support for mental health and stigma can be found here.

Supporting others

Trying to support someone experiencing mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, especially if you lack the knowledge to offer truly empathic help. Our resources are designed to provide clear advice on how to approach these conversations, alongside actionable tips for offering indirect support.

Helping a friend

Mental health issues are common, with millions of Americans navigating a condition annually. Nearly everyone knows someone who is affected, and if you feel unsure how to offer support, our guide can offer tips on how to help a friend with their mental health.

Read here for more information on how to support a friend.

Supporting teens and young adults

Teenage years are naturally a period of transition as young people form their identities, build new friendships, and seek greater independence. All of which can have a positive or negative impact on mental health. As a parent, educator, or caring adult, here are ways you can positively support a young person's mental well-being.

More information on how to support teens and young adults can be found here.

Support for students

Schools are essential partners in fostering student mental health, a necessity given the rise in anxiety and depression among today's youth. Our resources explore the impact of the school environment and offer practical support strategies for parents and teachers.

Read our student support resources here.

Workplaced resources

Adults spend a third of their time at work, and workplace challenges profoundly influence mental well-being. Stressors like long hours, heavy workload, or poor leadership can worsen conditions such as anxiety and depression, making it difficult to show up, focus, perform, and, in some cases, feel fulfilled. Workplace-related mental health issues can also lead to problems in home life, as well as impacts on self-esteem, confidence, and other factors.

Read our workplace mental health resources for employers and employees.

Crisis support

Suicidal thoughts are common and can be deeply distressing, sometimes worsening existing mental health issues like depression. If you feel you may act on these thoughts, please reach out to someone close to you or contact emergency services immediately.

Read here for all you need to know in a mental health crisis.

Suicide prevention helplines

If you're going through a difficult time, help is available. The following hotlines are confidential, and most provide 24/7 phone support to people struggling with suicidal thoughts:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or call 988 for 24/7 support on any phone or phoning -800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Crisis Text Line: For those who prefer to text rather than call, text HELLO to 741741 to open a dialogue with a trained responder (24/7 support available)

• Veterans Crisis Line: Specifically for active duty or retired US military veterans. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder. You can also start a confidential online chat session at Veterans Crisis Chat.

Self-care for mental health

If you feel that your mental health is suffering or you're just looking to improve your mood and outlook, there are a range of tried and tested self-care techniques that can help. You’ll see the most benefit when you practice self-care consistently. The most important thing is finding the strategies that work for you.

Self-care for mental health can include:

Be aware of your mental health - Checking in regularly about how you feel and your emotional state can help to identify any changes. Many people find keeping an emotional journal can help with awareness, as can telling doctors/therapists what techniques and treatments have helped the most with their current mental health.

Make time for therapeutic activities - Engaging in outdoor activities, social events, holistic experiences, and creative endeavors can all help to improve mental health. It can also be beneficial to take up new hobbies and activities to expand the range of experiences you find pleasurable and to meet new people.

Maintain positive physical health - Our minds and our bodies are deeply connected and react to one another constantly. A decline in the health of one will often make the other worse. By maintaining a nutritious diet, sleep patterns, and movement/exercise, your mind will likely feel better for it.

Speak to a specialist - Even if you aren’t currently engaging in some form of talking therapy, speaking to a professional can be helpful, especially if you’re going through a tough period. Many mental health organizations can help with everyday issues and talk you through periods of poor mental health. You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis to seek help.

While self-care can help manage mental health issues, it is sometimes not enough, and professional help is needed. If you continue to experience mental health issues or they begin to worsen, even if you regularly practice self-care techniques, you might benefit from speaking to a qualified professional.