Hello,You.
How are you doing ?
Is everything okay ?
In these current unprecedented times,the world is a different kind of chaos. For some the world being turned upside down is a familiar feeling, its oddly calming to see the world reacting externally in a way (the world) internally feels to you, every single day. People panic buying toilet paper, rushing to supermarkets to ransack the shelves with
pure greed and ignorance. The struggle of understanding a crisis often brings out the worst in people. In a time where we all need to work together and understand each others needs, everyone is doing the exact opposite.
As a natural reflex, humans mind automatically jumps to survival mode when any feeling of unsafe or uncertainty is presented. However the chaos that we first saw when we became aware of Covid-19 was nearing barbaric, its almost like everyone had a reset button pressed and we could not compute. We were acting like robots without any given functions aimlessly trying to work.
Although that seems to have passed and things are slowly moving forward to a more positive outcome, mental health is an ongoing battle. Not just within these times of a global pandemic, but everyday people struggle to carry on. Anxiety and depression (to name a few) are present issues that alot of people face, its hard to sometimes hear familiar voices or opinions of loved ones, friends and family, urging you to get help. It takes such courage to begin with to even admit you may be experiencing feelings you can't understand. Time and time again we are offered unsolicited advice for pretty much anything, the way we connect allows for strangers to have a say in our lifestyle choices. This bringing both negative and positive impact,however in self-isolation, we might find the only way to feel understood is by connecting online. The whole world is basically living through a screen right now, so it may be beneficial to use technology wisely, finding resources online is the best way to gain understanding and release at this moment in time.
For individuals who feel they are surrounded by people who cannot help them in the way they need right now,or for those who are isolated alone, you are NOT alone.
There are alot of people stuck in toxic situations whether that be isolated with family members,partners and/or ex partners which perhaps cause triggers or impact you negatively during this time. Feeling unable to express how you feel, being frustrated with the current situation and feeling like there is now way out. Emotionally feeling trapped whilst also being "trapped" within the confinements of your house, creates trauma.
The physical surroundings also play a part in this, whilst you may be surrounded by good people,friends,family and feel supported during this time, your physical surroundings may be what causes concern.
Finding space to be alone in a family home can be a struggle, getting time to yourself,away from who you live with can be hard. If you live in a small space that lacks an outdoor area or just can't find a space to be own your own, it can be frustrating.
Sometimes you feel like you have no place to go, and you can't get out. We are in lock-down for the foreseeable so I understand that feeling of "whats the point" , suppressing emotions, feeling a lack of control over yourself. Finding it difficult to have a meaning or a purpose right now, its extremely dangerous to slip into darker thoughts and giving up on yourself.
Its important to know that these feelings are normal,most of the world is feeling disrupted in some way or other. Its imperative at this time for our health that we be proactive in finding help to understand how we feel,how to combat that and face up to our struggles as much as we can, in order to maintain a positive outcome.
With that being said,we all know sometimes denial is easier than admitting. I have curated a list of organisations and websites which you may find helpful throughout this period of time. For anyone who wants to find a safe space online to talk to people,hear other stories, please use these resources. To anyone who finds comfort in this post or finds a place within these resources, know that its okay to feel the way you feel. You are valid and together we are going to get through this.
I hope that humanity can find a way to positively connect within the near future to create uplifting energy and a sense of community globally, once this pandemic is over.
I urge anyone to recommend resources and offer support to whom they feel needs it most at this time.
Disclaimer: Below are recommendations and should not be used in place of professional advice, if you are seeking help regarding mental health please consult professionals and licensed practitioners, and doctors when seeking medical and health advice and support.
I have picked 8 of the organisations listed, for brief details about each one, keep scrolling...
"We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect."
Lead ambassador and president of Mind: Stephen Fry
Mind has an InfoLine for local calls and a LegalLine for those needing information on the law regarding mental health related topics.
Memberships and networks via social media (Facebook,twitter)
campaigns and professional training
Area based: England and Wales (UK)
"The mission of the World Federation for Mental Health is to promote the advancement of mental health awareness, prevention of mental disorders, advocacy, and best practice recovery focused interventions worldwide."
Live fundraisers
World congress updates
Mental health day events
UN representatives
Donations and memberships
Area based: Worldwide
"Founded by the late Professor Erwin Ringel and Dr. Norman Farberow in 1960, IASP now includes professionals and volunteers from more than fifty different countries. IASP is a Non-Governmental Organization concerned with suicide prevention."
Dedicated to preventing suicidal behaviors
Provides a forum for professionals,academics and workers/ volunteers regarding mental health
Forum for suicide survivors
Special interest groups and career groups (academic/ professional specializations)
Crisis centers worldwide
Suicide bereavement help
Memberships
"Working in partnership with international agencies and experts in the field, we exist to
support and unite the global effort to promote mental health. We are all passionate about catalyzing greater action on mental health and many of us have first-hand experience of living with a condition ourselves."
Advocacy
Campaigning
Webinar Series
Financial support to global institutions
( IS not a direct provider for support services regarding mental health) However
contains information on helplines globally, click link here for info: https://www.unitedgmh.org/mental-health-support
"The Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH) is a virtual network of individuals and organisations that aim to improve services for people living with mental health problems and psychosocial disabilities worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where effective services are often scarce. Two principles are fundamental to the Movement: scientific evidence and human rights."
Social media platforms (Facebook,twitter)
Monthly Newsletters
The biennial Global Mental Health Summit
Public engagements regarding mental health and human rights topics
Training workshops
Participation in World health summits
Volunteer opportunities
Online discussion forum : http://globalmentalhealth.org/forums
Email response and enquirers via : admin@globalmentalhealth.org
6. YoungMinds
"We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. We’re here to make sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties."
Crisis messenger service 24/7 access across UK (Text YM to 85258)
Free childline service
Samaritan free helpline 24/7 service everyday
Support guidelines
Information for young people and mental health
#helloyellow movement,campaigns and fundraisers
Consultancy and training for professionals
"The Foundation for Art and Healing (FAH) will bridge the gap to synthesize the medical and humanistic perspective of the healing process and transport it into community settings. The mission of the Foundation for Art & Healing is to use its position as a “bridge” to create and expand general awareness about art and healing, to bring forward through research and related explorations critical knowledge about art and healing and the relationship between them, and to help make this knowledge available at the individual and community level."
Funded research
Discussions
Commissioned papers
Project initiatives
Online film festival
Creative challenges
Shared stories
Disclaimer "The Content on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition."
"We offer a wide variety of support to help people deal with the personal and practical impacts of mental health issues. The services we can provide range from one-to-one support in the community to supported accommodation and making sure people understand and are able to express their needs in their dealings with official bodies."
Housing and community support
Wellbeing Hub
Advocacy
Fundraising activities
One-on-one support
Helplines 24/7 Across UK
All information presented correct at the time of blog publication as of April/May 2020.
Descriptions and logos resourced from official websites of individual organisations (linked within titles and pictures in bullet point sections).