Mental Health Support Systems and Communities

Every time you call out, you’re a little less alone. In this post you will find a detailed list of mental health support systems and communities. My goal is to show you that you are not alone. You deserve support, and I want to make the process easier for you. I’ve outlined a variety of mental health services, support systems, and online communities in this post; scroll through, and find what fits your needs.

This is a list of supportive communities in the United States. This is not a list of emergency contacts and/or crisis hotlines, although some of the resources listed have crisis hotlines. If you or a loved one needs immediate help, call 911, now. 

I’m not a mental health expert or medical professional. I’m a housewife and mental health blogger who is living with bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. I can’t offer medical advice, but I sincerely care about you and I want to help. I hope these resources help, because you matter and you deserve support.

AWARENESS and EDUCATION

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI works to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness. NAMI has free events, education, and support groups on mental health; for those struggling with mental illness, and for their loved ones.
WEB: nami.org

Seize the Awkward
Are you concerned about a friend who is struggling with their mental health? Seize the Awkward offers helpful advice on how to support them.
WEB: seizetheawkward.org

I Don’t Mind
Launched by Chris Wood (Supergirl), I DON’T MIND works to break down the barrier of mental health stigma, while also bringing help to those that need it. The goal of I DON’T MIND is to get people talking about their minds, and to generate positive messaging about mental health.
WEB: idontmind.com

SUICIDE PREVENTION

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
AFSP gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community. This community is empowered by research, education, and advocacy.
WEB: afsp.org

The Buddy Project
The Buddy Project aims to prevent suicide and self-harm by pairing people with buddies. The Buddy Project pairs based on mutual interest and age. You can sign up to receive a buddy on their website.
WEB: buddy-project.org

RECOVERY and HOPE

Live Through This
Live Through This is a collection of portraits and true stories of suicide attempt survivors across the United States.
WEB: livethroughthis.org

To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA)
TWLOHA works to present hope and find help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
WEB: twloha.com

DEPRESSION

The Blurt Foundation
The Blurt Foundation works to increase awareness and understanding of depression.  Blurt exists to make a difference for anyone affected by depression.
WEB: blurtitout.org

BIPOLAR DISORDER

International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)
IBPF was founded by four parents with children affected by bipolar disorder. Well aware of the trauma that bipolar disorder causes, these parents felt compelled to do something constructive to help.
WEB: ibpf.org

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Not Alone Notes
Not Alone Notes mails free, handwritten letters to others with OCD to remind them they aren’t alone, encourage hope, and dispense resources.
WEB: myocdvoice.wordpress.com/receive-a-not-alone-note/

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) 
IOCDF works to help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) live full and productive lives by building awareness, increasing access to treatment, and ending stigma.
WED: iocdf.org

OCD Conference
The Annual OCD Conference informs and empowers the OCD community by bringing together health professionals, researchers, individuals with OCD, and their loved ones.
WEB: ocd2018.org

EATING DISORDERS

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
NEDA supports those affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
WEB: nationaleatingdisorders.org

POSITIVITY COMMUNITIES

Shethority
Created by Caity Lotz, Candice Patton, and other DC Comics heroines, Shethority is a positive place for women and the feminine to inspire, empower, and share.
WEB: shethority.com

Love is Louder
Founded by Brittany Snow, Love is Louder is a community of people working together to create a world where we all feel more connected and supported. Love and support are louder than any voice that tries to bring us down.
WEB: loveislouder.com

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
CALL: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
WEB: samhsa.gov
FIND TREATMENT: findtreatment.samhsa.gov

SERVICE MEMBERS

Military OneSource
OneSource stands ready to assist as you master military life. OneSource works to give you expert support and information that is proven and practical. They offer a trusted voice that is free, private, and confidential.
WEB: militaryonesource.mil/mental-health-resources

LGBTQ+

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
WEB: thetrevorproject.org

Explore: Coming Out
Find resources to help you come out and live openly at home, at work and in your community. This is part of the Human Rights Campaign.
WEB: hrc.org/explore/topic/coming-out

YOUTH

JED Foundation
The Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center provides essential information about common emotional health issues for teens and young  adults.
WEB: jedfoundation.org

Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
WEB: childmind.org

Born This Way Foundation
Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, the Born This Way Foundation works to create a kinder and braver world. Born This Way provides youth with genuine opportunities, quality resources, and platforms to make their voices heard.
WEB: bornthisway.foundation

EMERGENCY

Emergency – Call 911
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for an officer trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

Curtain Call: 

Remember, every time you call out, you’re a little less alone. You matter and you deserve support.

This is a living document. If you know about a Mental Health Support System or Community that needs to be added to this list, please, let me know. You can comment below, or contact me privately.

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Sincerely, Uncustomary Housewife