My Go-To Links and Bloggers
RESOURCES I hope some of these resources can lead you towards continual mental wellness. I am proof that a few of these have been vital for me.
bringchange2mind.org Bring Chance 2 Mind is a non-profit organization who's goal is to end stigma surrounding mental illness through campaigns, programs, and public education material (which can be downloaded if you choose to hold an event!) This organization has really started putting a huge dent to end the stigma via their YouTube PSA's, Facbooks PSA's, Twitter posts, and Instagram messages.
bphope.com The BPHope forum is an online community for those who have Bipolar Disorder. First you have to either sign in or create your account, using a nickname, then you can either start a discussion or contribute to one. This site also has links on symptoms, treatments, relationships, hope, kids, and blogs. Great place for support and insight.
cmha.ca The Canadian Mental Health Association has links on Your Mental Health, Understanding Mental Illness, Mental Health brochures, Work Place Mental Health, Mental Health Week, as well as downloadable Public Service Announcements (PSA's) upon request.
partnersformh.ca Partners for Mental Health is an accredited Canada-wide charity dedicated to catalyzing a social movement that will transform the way Canadians think about, act towards, and support mental health and those living with a mental illness. Click on the link and sign the pledge today to join their movement!!! Post an audio recording, a video, or write a short essay!!
esperanza.com The Esperanza forum is an online community for those who have depression and anxiety. First you have to either sign in or create your account, using a nickname, then you can either start a discussion or contribute to one. This site also has links on symptoms, treatments, relationships, hope, and blogs. A terrific place for support and insight.
dbsalliance.org The Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance site has a variety of links for education, wellness options, peer support, helping others, clinicians, and you can sign up to receive their newsletter. Information from this legitimate website would definitely be of benefit.
nami.org The National Alliance on Mental Illness is another one of my favourite sources of information, even though it is American, it is still of great value. Not only is there information on various disorders on their site but also you can watch videos and look on their "You and Me" or their "Share Your Story" sections, and immediately you know you are not alone in this.
drugrehab.com Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse can sometime go hand-in-hand. People with bipolar disorder or similar disorders, like depression, may turn to alcohol or illicit drugs. This website offers help to equip patients and families with the best information, resources, and tools, to overcome addiction and lead a lifelong recovery (USA)
addictioncenter.com Addition Center is a website with helpful information on various addictions, co-occuring mental health disorders, and mental health treatment options. This site was started by a former addict who understands the dangers of co-occuring disorders after going through rehab. (USA)
The Recovery Village an organization dedicated to providing the best treatment possible to those struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
more to come...
MY FAVOURITE BLOGGERS WHO I LOOK UP TO
Gum on my Shoe Is a creative partnership between transatlantic best friends Martin Baker and Fran Houston. Living in the north-east of England, Martin is an ASIST trained Mental Health First Aider and Time to Change Champion. He is primary support and caregiver to Fran who lives with bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Passionate about making invisible illness visible, Fran lives in Portland, Maine. As they like to say, “No one is too far away to be cared for, or to care.” Martin and Fran’s book “High Tide, Low Tide: The Caring Friend’s Guide to Bipolar Disorder” inspires and informs others who support a friend living with mental illness. Their blog features original content on a wide range of health topics. They welcome guest posts related to mental illness and other chronic conditions, especially the support of friends and loved ones.
Davina Lytle I'm still Here!! I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) just over 12 years ago, but I’ve had it most of my life. I don’t function like most other people, but I believe I function quite well for someone with PTSD. I try to look at things positively and I try to avoid things that are negative; especially people, because I take a lot of things to heart. I’m a wife, partner and friend to the most amazing man I’ve ever met. We dated back in high school, and then after being apart for almost 30 years, we reunited. We had our second “first” date a month before I was held up, and even though I gave him the chance to run for the hills, he stayed. We’ve been together now for just over 12 years and I believe if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here. He really is my knight in shining armour! I’m a mother of two beautiful girls that have grown into caring, compassionate, people and are currently; with the help of my amazing son-in-laws, nurturing their own children to become the same. I have four amazing grandchildren that bring me so much joy and remind me just how precious life is and I also have a nephew whom I’m very proud of. He has been like my own son since his mother died in 1989. And last, but certainly not least, I have a great circle of friends (you know who you are!!). They’ve never questioned me, or the changes in me since my workplace incident and whether they know it or not, they have been part of the guiding force that has kept me alive since that fateful day. These family and friends, like me, believe I’m not my disease. We all believe I am so much more than that, I’m a PTSD survivor.
aschizoaffectivestory.wordpress.com Dayne Svendsen is an 18 year old suffering from schizoaffective disorder. He blogs about mental health, his experiences with Schizoaffective Disorder, in order to end the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as educate and provide support to those who need it. He covers various subjects based around mental health, whether they are closely or loosely associated. Dayne provides a wide range of knowledge on mental health. You can also follow Dayne on Twitter @dayne_svendsen
annemoss.com Anne Moss Rogers has been an outspoken mental health advocate since 2010 and has fought tirelessly and persistently for the cause to erase stigma. Despite her family's best efforts to get help, her 20yr old son, Charles, died by suicide June 5, 2015 after many years of struggle. Anne has been promoting conversation about mental health and advocates using the word "suicide" as a head-on approach to reducing stigma and increasing awareness of this silent killer.
endthestigma.ie Aidan O'Connell is a passionate Mental Health Advocate, Mental Health Peer, and Speaker. Aidan lives and studies Psychology and Communications, in Dublin, Ireland, and runs this great website.
davidsusman.com David Susman, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, college professor, and mental health advocate in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. He blogs about mental health, wellness, and recovery. He was recently named by PsychCentral as one of the "21 Mental Health Doctors and Therapists You Should Be Following on Twitter". You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn.
judgmentfreezone2013 Rebecca Lombardo is 43 years old and has been happily married for 15 years. She is a published author of "It's Not Your Journey", a bipolar blogger, and mental health advocate. As a suicide attempt survivor, her goal is to share her story to help end the stigma. Rebecca loves books, music, and movies. She has rescued 5 cats and enjoys photography.
livingwithdepression A very personal blog about living with Depression for over 10 years, things I've learned along the way and my unique life experiences including a mentally ill parent, prostitution, and an abusive relationship.
XXHATRED.COM Brien was diagnosed at the early age of 16 with Bipolar Disorder (Schizoaffective). He has been sharing his experiences with mental illness as a form of self-therapy and with the hope to help others through his blog which was started in August of 2015. He also wants to fight the stigma against mental illness, and feels that others with it should not be ashamed. Brien can also be found on his Twitter @xxhatred_com
This Is What a Person With Mental Illness Looks Like is a blog to raise awareness as well as educate people on mental health, and do this by showing normal people coping through day-to-day life, even though it might be extremely difficult for them to do so. I want people with mental illnesses to know, that no matter where they are, they are never alone. As I've experienced different types of mental health illnesses, and am still living with them. I find that it is extremely difficult to socialize or sometimes even go out into the world. By knowing that there are people out there who understand me , and can help me it, makes me feel a lot more secure and I know that I am not the only one who feels like that! As well as posting other people's stories, I am also here to post any helpful links, quotes, and stories, that have helped me and still are helping me through my journey with mental illness.
more to come...
