I am not a doctor or a professional trained in dealing with mental health issues. I am getting better at dealing with my own mental health issues, bit by bit. In my blog, I talk candidly about my own struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health shenanigans.

When I have brought up these realities of my own life, there have been more than a few people who reach out and contact me privately to share their own stories. I welcome this– I believe discussion and sharing are important pieces of the coping puzzle.

Additionally, I wanted to try to provide some more professional resources for folks who may be in the thick of some bad brain stuff. I had a good friend who does social work help me put together this small list. It’s very much a work in progress. If you know of other great resources, please let me know, and I’ll try to add them.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Depression is a bastard. It tells us a lot of things and shows us the world through a nauseating prism. It’s very real and it doesn’t just go away. But, there are things we can do to cope and deal and continue onward.

Therapy has been a literal life saver for me. It’s not for everyone. Reaching out to people you don’t know is also not for everyone. Mental health stuff boxes us into our own heads. Even if reaching out to one of these resources isn’t right for you– Remember that you are not alone in your experience or in life. You are loved and valued and worthy. I promise this is so.

And if you need someone to talk to, go ahead. I’m not a professional, and I can’t save you. But I’m here. I’m listening. We can keep going, one step by one step.

 

Here are some other options too.

 

Onward.

 

Crisis Resources

  • Alaska CARELINE (1-877-266-4357/HELP)

 

Educational Resources

 

Access to Treatment

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    • “SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.”
  • NAMI HelpLine