It’s no new news that the pandemic has triggered a mental health crisis. In India, while some strides have been made in the past few years, openly talking about mental health issues is still considered a taboo. While the best solution would be to seek professional medical help, there are plenty of resources online that may help support your treatment.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, we’ve compiled an extensive list of online mental health resources for those looking for digital support. These include webinars, books, videos, helplines and podcasts, and will help you get a better understanding of such illnesses.
Webinars
#CopingWithCOVID
This is a United Nations initiative started especially during the pandemic with an aim to provide ‘young people with a platform for genuine connection amid uncertainty’. If you’ve found yourself feeling extra jittery during the pandemic, this series is perfect for you. And if you miss a session, you can find all the past videos in the archive!
Details here.
The Big Event For Mental Heath
This World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organisation is all set to host a global online advocacy event on mental health. You can expect world leaders, mental health experts and celebrity guests to join WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to tell the world what we can all do to improve our mental health and how we can help make sure that quality mental health care is available to everyone who needs it.
Details here.
Podcasts
No Feeling Is Final
This podcast is hosted by Australian artist and mental health advocate, Honor Eastly, who details her own experience of having overwhelming suicidal thoughts. You can expect funny narrations, scene recreations, reading of diary entries and first-person perspective on the reality of coping with a mental illness.
Listen here.
Mad Chat
What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘mad’? In this 10-part series, host Sandy Allen, who is trans and non-binary, analyses and breaks down how popular culture stereotypes about mental health has affected how we look at it. The best part? Each episode welcomes a special guest, who are from diverse backgrounds–from comedians to writers.
Listen here.
Books
If you are someone who has dealt with or are dealing with a mental illness, we couldn’t recommend this book enough.
I’ve Never Been Unhappier
When I started reading this book, I never thought I would finish it in two hours straight. The book is Shaheen Bhatt’s personal accounts of dealing with depression and anxiety, and it won’t give you any ‘solutions’, but it will definitely make you feel seen and heard.
Buy here.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
We all turn to therapists when we find ourselves in mental distress. But what happens when our therapist needs a therapist? This book by Los Angeles based therapist is an intriguing read about some of the various patients she encounters, and what leads her to therapy. Just a heads up, you might find yourself tearing up during some of the chapters.
Buy here.
Mental Health Helplines
If you feel like your mental health is severely affecting your life, or you are feeling suicidal, we urge to reach out to a mental health professional on these numbers:
Aasra: +91 98204 66726
Fortis Stress Helpline: +9183768 04102
Parivarthan: +91 76766 02602
Cooj Mental Health Foundation: +832 2252525
Sneha Foundation: 044-24640050
We hope you find these resources helpful, but remember, they can only provide some extended support. They cannot replace professional medical intervention. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness, please seek help from a licensed professional at the earliest.
Featured Image: Unsplash
