For some people, therapy is enough of a resource to help them through their issues. However, you may want more than therapy, including information on your situation, as well as information and referrals for problems related to depression and anxiety, as well as physical health issues that can lead to challenges in regard to mental health. There are also a vast number of resources regarding issues related to psychology, counseling and psychotherapy, and mental wellness. I chose a few that you will hopefully find helpful.
Depression
Please note that sometimes people can be experiencing depression and anxiety yet aren’t aware of it. That’s because there can be atypical symptoms, such as anger or overeating. Also, depression can range from “blue” to severe, which can make it hard to understand the type and severity of depression you may be experiencing. For more information on depression, three good resources for learning about the types of depression and other mental health issues are Depression Central by Dr. Ivan, depression symptoms, and treatment for depression.
There are places to go for support for depression and bi-polar illness. To locate a depression or bi-polar support group in your area, Bi-polar focus has listings by city. For depression support, check out the page Health Central. Dysthymia is a mild, longer-term form of depression. Read about dysthymia at the National Mental Health Association.
Anxiety
As with depression, some people experience an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic attacks (or a mild form of panic attacks but is highly disturbing nonetheless) and not realize it. For information on anxiety-related disorders and panic attacks, you can visit the National Mental Health Association’s webpage on panic disorder. A couple of other sites that you can take a look at include the National Institute of Mental Health or WebMD on various anxiety disorders.
Unfortunately, many resource websites are not accessible to all. There’s a website with several mental health articles, including this one on panic disorder that meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Grief support groups
If you have lost a loved one, life can be especially hard. If you’re having trouble coping, you can visit the online resource The Help Guide. Another option that could be helpful for finding a support group near you is called Grief Share: Grief Recovery Support Groups.
Support and counseling for cancer
The emotions and fear following a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Visit Mesothelioma to be connected to a patient advocate, who can help you navigate your medical options — or check out the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Counseling Resources to learn more about the benefits of quality counseling for those suffering from malignant mesothelioma, and cancer in general. If you’re a student or know someone who is in college and struggling with a current or former cancer diagnosis, this organization is here to help.
Here is a list of other cancer survivor support groups
Self-help
A few websites provide general assistance. You can try SHARE!, which has a $10 to $20 monthly fee for their groups. Or try Self-help.
Substance Abuse and Addictions
You may be struggling with addiction or substance abuse. There are myriad types of addictions and treatment. Where to begin can be confusing. For help with both addiction and substance abuse, the Help Guide is a page with several resources, including 12-step and general recovery links. I offer additional resources in my article Addiction and Recovery Primer. Another helpful resource that helps you find support is Start Your Recovery.
For those of you with co-occurring disorders (used to be known as dual diagnosis – an addiction with a mental illness), the following page has a lot of helpful information regarding co-occurring disorders. If you’re LGBTQIA+ and suffering from an addiction, go to the website Recovery Village for additional resources.
Intimate Partner Violence
If you’re in an abusive relationship, a good resource to learn more about it is National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Another comprehensive resource that includes various aspect of domestic violence and what to do about it is this
Resource Guide. And if you’re having issues regarding finances, this guide is very useful. For information on cellphone and Internet safety, check out this very good resource.
BIPOC
If you’re a member of the BIPOC community, therapy may be enough of a resource to help you get through current challenges. However, you may want more than therapy, including information on your situation, as well as information and referrals that offer culturally sensitive and affirming support for problems related to depression and anxiety, as well as others challenges in regard to mental health. I chose a few that I hope you find helpful.
Live Another Day, the Summit Wellness Group, and the Mental Health Coalition offer resources for addiction and mental health. A resource for queer BIPOC individuals is provided by a page focusing on library resources.
For those who are struggling with addiction, Detox Local offers specific referrals for those who are struggling with addiction, and it has a mental health and referral page for AAPI persons.
LGBTQIA+
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, non-binary or transgender, please go to the LGBTQIA+ therapy page.
If you are dealing with challenges with your family, workplace, or community by being non-binary or transgender, GLAAD and Harvard Public Health have comprehensive resource pages.
For support and additional information regarding coming out and what to expect as you go through the process, check out stages about coming out.
Seniors
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to aging, there’s a very good resource for seniors for everything from having pets to housing, rental, and medical bill assistance.The