Mental health has been much-talked-about in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s the paparazzi catching photos of celebrities like Cara Delevingne, or the fact that 4 in 10 people in the US suffer from anxiety or depressive disorders (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021).

 

According to the WHO, “mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”

 

In light of World Mental Health Day 2022, it’s crucial to reach out to people in our lives who might be struggling with a mental health disorder. The theme for this year is “make mental health and well-being for all a global priority.” Here are some resources you should reach out to when you’re focused on giving attention to your own mental health and those of your loved ones.

 

Mental Health Resources to Reach Out To

To support the mental health of a loved one or yourself, you need to know where and when to reach out. Here are some common resources you can refer to or contact in times of a mental health crisis:

 

Mitram Foundation: For those feeling depressed, low, or combating self-harming thoughts, Mitram Foundation provides confidential and non-judgemental emotional support during a crisis.

Call at: 080-2572-2573 or 9019708133

 

Parivarthan: For any type of counselling, Parivarthan provides a dedicated helpline that is open 5 days a week. Counselling services can be provided to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Call at: +91-7676-602-602, 080-2527-3462 or 080-2529-8686

 

Voice That Cares: A free public helpline for psychosocial counselling support is provided by Voice That Cares (Ripples of Change Foundation). It is operative all days of the week, and instead of talking to doctors, you will be able to speak to a fellow human being, making it less stressful.

Call at: 8448-8448-45

 

Connecting Trust: If you’re looking for a non-judgemental and anonymous space to reach out, Connecting Trust is here to help. For those feeling low, distressed, or combating self-harming thoughts, it is advisable to call their helpline for targeted support.

Call at: 9922-004-305 or 9922-001-122

 

Mann Talks: Aimed at empowering individuals to take charge of their mental health, Mann Talks provides an inclusive platform where help is provided.

Call at: 8686-139-139

 

The Smiling Rainbow: For those dealing with issues surrounding sexuality, or that fall under the purview of LGBTQ+ issues regarding economic independence and mental health, the Smiling Rainbow provides a helpline for those seeking help.

Call at: +91-789-089-3166

 

iCall: For those dealing with emotional, physical, or mental distress, iCall is run by the School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, to help.

Call at: 9152-987-821

 

What to Remember

When you’re prioritising your mental health, remember that no one solution is ideal for everyone. Different needs require different approaches, and you must ensure that you’re choosing a solution that fits your needs. Here are some things to remember when it comes to mental health:

 

• Struggling with mental or emotional health is not a sign of personal weakness
• Societal stigmas should have no bearing on how you choose to focus on your mental health
• Looking for resources and help when you need them is not a sign of cowardice or weakness
• Physical health can also impact mental health and vice versa

 

You don’t have to struggle in silence when it comes to your mental health, and reorienting your mind and taking steps to better yourself is a step in the right direction for your well-being.

 

Caring for Yourself

While caring for everyone around you, it can become challenging to take care of yourself. You might even believe that you don’t need to be taken care of or that your emotional or mental needs aren’t important enough to indulge in self-care. However, over time, symptoms of stress, burnout, and fatigue can end up impacting your life quite severely. Here are resources that can help you reground yourself and feel settled mentally, physically, and emotionally.

 

For Meditation:

A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation

I Tried Meditation for 30 Days: Here’s What I Learnt

Guided Meditation with Michele Paradise

Supermoon Meditation: Harness Its Energy and Manifest Positivity

De-Stress in Four Minutes with Box Breathing

Amazing Benefits of Affirmative Havening

 

Starting Therapy

How to Find The Best Therapist for You

11 Questions You Must Ask Your New Therapist

Compassionate Boundary Setting

Getting in Touch with Ourselves and Our Inner Child: Michele Paradise

 

Tools to Help and Guide You

Journaling 101: How to Journal for a Better Mindset

5 Ways to Overcome Self-Defeating Thoughts

The Power of Positive Affirmations

Does Social Media Cause Dissociation? Here’s What to Know

Are You Addicted to Your Phone: Here’s How You Can Cut Screen Time

Is Your Screen Time Making You Feel Sick