How amazing was the recent Mental Health Blog Awards!
There have been some great comments, tweets and blog posts already following on from the event. Search #MHBlogAwards on twitter (and maybe other places) to catch up on the conversation. Here's a couple of blog posts I've already read.
Blog post by Anxiety Sugar
Blog post by Emma (Red Silver Mountains)
As part of my very well (hahaha) prepared wellbeing online workshop at the Awards, I asked for your recommendations for tips, tools and resources that have been helpful for you. I have managed to get most of them written down I think, and I am delighted to be able to share them all with you now.
Please feel free to share this post, or the apps, projects, websites directly.
I hope the below can be of help/ support to someone out there. Remember, you are not alone.
Apps
"Choose from the world's largest selection of audiobooks."
"Better Stop Suicide is an app to simply help you press your own stop button should suicidal thoughts come to you."
"Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Join the millions experiencing better sleep, lower stress, and less anxiety."
"Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit.NHS Couch to 5K will help you gradually work up towards running 5K in just 9 weeks."
"Our mission is simple, it’s to help you feel good from the inside out. No-nonsense, research-backed tools and products to care for your mind"
"Live a healthier, happier, more well-rested life in just a few minutes a day with the Headspace app."
Mobile Games
Games mentioned in general as a distraction from thoughts. Mike mentioned Pokemon Go as a good game for getting outside and walking.
"If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, Moodpath is the leading mental health app to guide you toward emotional well-being."
"Track your runs, get coaching that adapts to you,and bring your friends along for the ride. It’s all possible with the Nike+ Run Club app."
Podcasts
Mental Health podcasts, comedy podcasts. Specifically mentioned - 'Life is a Marathon' and 'The Positive Head'
"Monitor your skin picking behaviours. The first step to beating Dermatillomania is gaining awareness of your picking patterns"
"Check in with how you’re feeling, and try short activities tuned to your emotions."
App for Portsmouth University students "offering 24/7 safeguarding, well-being and emotional health support."
"ZenScreen helps you regain control by letting you track screen time and set sensible rules to limit app and screen use."
Projects
"Through our projects we offer opportunities for people to rebuild their confidence and discover new strengths and skills after experiencing mental ill-health. Our volunteers challenge the stigma around mental health by talking about their experiences and encouraging others to find support through community activities."
"Starting university can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it can also bring is own unique challenges.We have two new guides that you can reach for when you need helpful tips for understanding university life:"
"Time to Change Champions are people with lived experience of mental health problems who campaign to change the way people think and act about mental health."
Websites
"Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards."
"We know that it can be difficult to talk to people when you're having difficulties with your mental health. Doc Ready helps you get ready for the first time you visit a doctor to discuss your mental health."
"Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard."
"The G.L.A.D. Technique is a very useful tool to learn to distill our days into positive snippets so that we can cherish the positive and avoid getting stuck on the negative."
"Heads Together work to ensure that people feel comfortable with their own and their friends and family everyday mental health and well being."
"Human Givens is a practical, holistic and scientific approach focusing on what individuals need to live mentally healthy and fulfilling lives."
"Talk to the counsellor of your choice instantly, without needing any appointments. Accessing our service is quite simple. No need to open an account or fill in questionnaires. Our counselling service does not require any subscriptions either."
"If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, or you're worried about someone you know - help is available. You're not alone; talk to someone you trust."
"We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone."
"Everything we do protects children today and prevents abuse tomorrow, to transform society for every childhood.That’s why we’re here and that’s what drives all of our work. But it’s only possible with your support."
"Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Call 116 123 for free"
"We empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. Together we will transform the state of student mental health so that all in higher education can thrive."
"Trello lets you work more collaboratively and get more done. Trello’s boards, lists, and cards enable you to organise and prioritise your projects in a fun, flexible, and rewarding way."
"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."