Seeking mental health resources may still be difficult for some, despite accessibility to that support becoming more crucial than ever—even before the beginning of the pandemic. Resources for mental health should be readily available for those who need them and wish to learn more. Whether you’re trying to seek help or support a cause, the following associations are only a few of the many mental health organizations that deliver education, awareness, and services to those struggling with mental wellness:
Mental Health America is a leading non-profit and community-based organization that addresses the needs of those living with mental illness. They have worked toward promoting mental health and preventing mental illness through advocacy, research, education, and services. They protect the rights of individuals struggling with mental health and ensure that their voices and perspectives are listened to in order to develop and improve the organization. Through their education programs, MHA has reached over 31 million people nationwide. They have also helped Americans understand suicide prevention through education and outreach, collaborated with affiliates to advance public policy, and provided peer services. The MHA has committed to an anti-racism agenda, promoting mental health equity by recognizing that racial injustice has caused trauma to minority communities and addressing discrimination to provide equitable mental health services. By getting involved through volunteering or donating, it is possible to fulfill their mission and provide hope to the 1 in 5 Americans suffering from mental illness.
The Jed Foundation’s focus surrounds promoting strong mental and emotional health in order to prevent suicide among youth and young adults. They aim to reduce substance abuse and self-harm as a result of emotional distress through equipping individuals with emotional safety nets, strengthening schools, and mobilizing communities with accessible knowledge and support systems. Their online platforms have reached over 250,000 followers and have made over 100 million impressions in digital outreach. The organization currently works with higher education institutions to strengthen educators’ abilities to help students in need of support through the implementation of mental health screenings and counseling services. Through their website, the Jed Foundation provides a resource center filled with helpful articles for managing stress as well as student engagement if one wishes to seek help for themselves or a friend. Through donations, the Jed Foundation is able to protect mental health and young lives by ensuring opportunities for millions of young people nationwide.
Those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community are more susceptible to mental illness and are four times more likely to attempt suicide. In order to tackle this issue, The Trevor Project is the world’s largest organization of its kind. The project is dedicated to building a more inclusive, safer world for LGBTQ+ youth by greatly reducing suicide rates. This organization provides crisis prevention through direct suicide prevention, peer services and social networking communities, as well as fighting for policies protecting LGBTQ+ people. The Trevor Project provides a free, confidential service that offers trained counselors for immediate support 24/7 year-round through chats or phone calls. If one chooses not to use these services, they can connect with other LGBTQ+ youth through their affirming international community, TrevorSupport, or use their website to visit their resource center, exploring topics ranging from sexual orientation to suicide and mental health. The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that accepts donations to save LGBTQ+ lives; by donating to the cause, their crisis services remain free of charge, This helps them expand their digital crisis services, train volunteers, and it enables work with policymakers to pass legislation protecting LGBTQ people.
Published February 26, 2022
Written by Kayton Sanchez ~ Edited by Sasha Thomas ~ Graphics created by Samridhi Verma
Part of FPI's Mental Health and Community Service Projects.
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