So what is “stressing you out” these days, as the saying goes? Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness month? Here are some websites and information with which to read about mental illness and mental health…
#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #susanstrasser #amwriting #susanstrasserblog
https://www.nami.org/Home NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. I discovered them via some brochures in my local library just a few years ago. For May 2022, their slogan is “Together for Mental Health,” where you can share your story or advocate for mental health in your community.
suicidepreventionlifeline.org With Naomi Judd’s committed suicide recently, the issue of suicide feels front and center again. I’ve heard of suicide my entire life and am fortunate to not have been directly impacted by it; others are not so lucky. There are great resources on the site, too.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING WITH SUICIDE, THE NUMBERS ARE:
988 (by July 2022, this simple code should work EVERYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES.
OR CALL 1-800-273-8255
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us What started as the magazine Psychology Today over 50 years ago, is now one of the leading websites to read about mental health issues and the general study of human behavior. Also, it is a great reference to look for a therapist: see the tab at the top of the homepage entitled: “Find a therapist.” It’s that easy! This website has helped me numerous times.
Or you may want to schedule a good ol’ fashioned physical examination with your primary care physician or look into getting one. Several years ago, this was a game-changer for me; I was having some minor allergy issues and decided to get an overall “body scan” lol which I hadn’t lately. Turns out I wasn’t depressed! Check out the best parts of this story here: https://susanstrasser.wordpress.com/2021/05/21/bipolar-at-last/
Last but not least, consider if you’re addicted to anything. Oh yes, you read that right. What can you not get through your day without? And is that addiction negatively impacting your mindfulness and self-care? Or your relationships with others? Check out online and in-person 12 Step meetings for whatever ails you. Hint: look for websites and organizations that do not charge anything and end in the words “— Anonymous.”
Alright, I think that’s enough mental health suggestions for today.
Disclaimer: I am not a spokesperson for any of these groups, businesses, or organizations; I speak only from my own experiences. Hope it helps someone! Take care.
susan strasser 