Resources for Mental Health Illnesses

Welcome to my website’s “Resources” section, your gateway to valuable information and support related to mental health. You will find various links and resources on this page, including media interviews, personal stories about my mental health experiences, and helping others. You will also find links to other sites useful for browsing. There is also a section on cancer and mental health; this section will develop over time, and more links will appear. In the meantime, feel free to check out the contents of this page.

Please note: Clicking on any links featured on this page will take you to external websites where I may not control the content. If you have any issues with these links, please reach out to [email protected] for assistance.

Links to External Websites Featuring My Content

I have included links to media interviews and stories I’ve submitted based on my mental illness and helping others. Click on the bold text to be taken to the links below.

My Website for the Inca Trail Trek—Visit my website, which is dedicated to the Inca Trail adventure I undertook on behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation in May 2016. You can see recounts of the trail along with pictures.

My interview for the Voice On Fire Series with Terri Mitchell—I took part in this interview back in May 2020, discussing Mental Health and some of the ways in which I’ve managed to keep on top of it. It’s well worth watching.

My interview with Tess from Write to Heal on Instagram – An interview with Tess from Write to Heal on September 25 discussed mental health illnesses

My interview for Yahoo News on Mental Health in Children – This interview was based on the ‘Most Critical Question’ I asked when confronted with a suicidal daughter. I’m happy to announce that since this interview, my daughter has been feeling much better, which makes me very happy.

My story which is featured in NIB Journal – My story was featured in the NIB Journal along with several other stories from others who suffer from mental illness as well. Very interesting read. Click the link, and on the page, click the Mental Health Issue button on the right side of the screen

PTSD Mental Health Resources

NursingEducation: Stressful and traumatic events are a normal part of life, and feeling scared or tense while processing these emotions is common. If you experience flashbacks, recurring memories, distressing thoughts, or physical symptoms related to the event, you may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health disorder that affects daily life and relationships, but seeking support and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve well-being. Click here for further information.

US-Based Mental Health Resources

Here is a list of United States-based mental health resources and related links. Click on the bold writing to be taken to the respective sites.

Health Care Resources for Veterans | Sokolove Law: Veterans of the U.S. military may need specialized care to deal with common health issues as they age. To help these brave men and women, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established dozens of programs and services exclusively for veterans. Click here to visit their website.

Cancer and Mental Health

Owing to personal experience in this area, I am now starting to collect and make available mental health articles and links related to cancer diagnosis and treatment. This is a new site section, so it will grow slowly over time.

Mesothelioma and Mental Health – Caring for your mental health after a mesothelioma diagnosis is essential for a better quality of life and improved treatment response. It’s normal to feel sadness and anxiety in the face of such a diagnosis, given the challenges it brings, including treatment side effects, disclosing the condition to loved ones, family dynamics, and the fear of mortality.

Nowadays, medical professionals recognize the vital role of mental health in treatment outcomes, so mental health support is often integrated into mesothelioma care plans. Mesothelioma’s emotional toll underscores the need for positive coping strategies to maintain a higher quality of life post-diagnosis. Common mental health conditions linked to mesothelioma include depressive spectrum disorders and anxiety and stress disorders, which may require treatment. Click here to read the full article.

Guide to Discussing Cancer with Kids: When children are affected by terminal cancer, in themselves or their family, coping is difficult. Helping a young person cope with cancer is an important responsibility. Parents, older siblings, teachers, and other adults are crucial in helping them understand, deal with negative emotions, go through treatments, and mourn when the worst happens.

At Mesothelioma.net, our mission is to provide families and children with discussions about cancer, localized treatment facilities, alternative therapy practices, financial aid, and more. Click here to read the full article.

Mesothelioma Law Firm | Nationwide Asbestos Litigation: Founded in 1999, Simmons Hanly Conroy is a leading national asbestos law firm founded to help people affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. With more than 60 asbestos attorneys across the United States, our mesothelioma law firm brings centuries of experience to bear against companies that harmed American workers and families through asbestos exposure. Click here to visit their website.

Mental Health & Mesothelioma: Coping with Cancer – Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, affecting both your physical and mental well-being. Prioritizing mental health awareness and self-care, along with understanding common psychological distress, is crucial for navigating this challenging journey and ensuring you receive the support you need from healthcare providers and caregivers. Click here to visit their website.

ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

While ADHD and ASD are not typically lumped together with Mental Health conditions, there is some overlap in diagnoses sometimes. Hence, it’s only practical to include some ASD and ADHD content on my website. I have some experience in managing these conditions as a carer so any useful information I come across I will post here.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Support and Understanding – Autism is a developmental condition leading to communication, social, and behavioural challenges affecting how individuals perceive and interact with others. The autism spectrum encompasses a broad range of symptoms and behaviours, with varying abilities in thinking and problem-solving. Some require extensive daily support, while others may not. Autism can significantly impact education and employment, with 85% of college-educated individuals with autism remaining unemployed. The quality of life for those with autism depends on support from authorities and societal attitudes. Click here to read the full article.

Mental Health Resources for Australia

This section includes a template for a mental health crisis plan and a list of counselling services available in Australia.

This is by no means a complete list of every service available, so make sure you also research.

When filling out the plan, it helps to open the counselling services list so you can select the service that best suits your needs and put it into your plan.

Links to Mental Health Websites

Mental Health Online, an initiative of Swinburne University’s National eTherapy Centre and funded by Australia’s Federal Department of Health, offers free online mental health services and programs. Users can access self-assessment tools, self-help resources, and professional support to understand better and address their mental health needs. By providing these services at no cost, Mental Health Online ensures that mental health care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

Head to Health – is an Australian government initiative that provides a digital platform connecting individuals with trusted mental health resources and services. The website offers access to various evidence-based resources, including apps, online programs, websites, and phone services for diverse mental health concerns. Users can search for tailored support based on their needs, preferences, and situations. Committed to confidentiality, Head to Health ensures user privacy and secure handling of personal information, ultimately aiming to improve mental health outcomes in Australia.

Mental Health Crisis Plan

Template – Download and fill out and keep in an accessible location

Mental Health Counselling Services

Click here to download a list of important counselling services external support organisations provide.

General Mental Health Resources

List of Different Anti-Depressant Medications and their categories

Table of medications courtesy of https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/antidepressant-medicines-explained#types-of-antidepressants

List of Different Anti-Psychotics and Risk of Weight Gain

Table of medications courtesy of https://www.bap.org.uk/articles/antipsychotic-medication-and-weight-gain/