On a daily basis, mental health topics can be found in numerous articles and hashtags. However, there is still a stigma attached to it in our society and our homes. Well meaning friends may say the worst thing at the wrong time. Family members can dismiss our suffering. We might be told to exercise, try yoga, and pray as if these things are magical fixes.

“Spread your needs around,” meaning don’t rely on any one thing or one person for support.

Years ago in San Diego, a wise therapist once said: “spread your needs around”, meaning don’t rely on any one thing or one person for support. But, it’s not so easy to “spread your needs around” when there is no one around to listen and offer support without judgment, shame, or disapproval. What are we to do when we find ourselves in crisis or having a bad mental health day with no friends or family to turn to? Well, then we must find or create our own support system.

Here are some ways to find support and connect with others who can act as a support system in lieu of or in addition to friends and family:

Get Social

Search Facebook for online support groups and support pages for your condition(s). A lot of the groups are private, so friends and family won’t see group content or that you’re even a group member. (A fair warning: social media communities are moderated by people who are generally not trained mental health specialists. If moderators or members of a group seem toxic, get out of there and find another safe online space.)
Search topics on Youtube to find and follow vloggers who have similar experiences.
Join Meetup.com and search for local groups that engage in activities you enjoy, such as a group for nature lovers or adult coloring.
Join a site such as Smart Patients where you can ask questions and get advice from others who are experiencing similar conditions via message boards.

There’s An App For That

Search your phone’s app store for free apps like Headspace and Calm that provide mindfulness training and guided mediation.
Download 7 Cups, an app with features similar to Headspace and Calm that also offers the opportunity to chat with a “trained listener” for free or a licensed counselor for an additional fee. Watch how it works in this short video.

Non-Traditional Counseling

Try an online counseling site like Talkspace or Betterhelp. These sites offer affordable plans for text, video, and telephone counseling.
Browse your local bookstore for items such as “The Bipolar Workbook” and “The Highly Sensitive Person’s Workbook”, which is a companion to the book of the same name. While you’re there, browse the self-help section and take a look at any book that calls to you.

Traditional Counseling

Make your mental health a priority and build the best support system you can by building multiple avenues of support.

This post was written by Jenise Michele. Please send any questions or concerns to content@subconscious.org.

Interested in writing about mental health? Join the Subconscious Contributors.