Between working, socializing, and keeping up with all of your other commitments, caring for your mental health can fall by the wayside. Life can get hectic, but your mental wellness should always remain a priority.
There’s absolutely nothing weak about seeking help if you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or just in a funk. In fact, sharing your feelings with others and looking for assistance when you need it is a sign of strength — and we know you’re one strong sista.
If your usual mood pick-me-up routine isn’t doing the trick anymore, like eating a pint of cookie dough ice-cream while doing a little retail therapy, it’s probably time to try something else. There are tons of mental health resources available online, which won’t cost you a penny to access.
Even if you’re feeling on top of the world today, it’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with these lifesaving resources as they could help you, or someone you love, in the future. It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter storms in life, which is why it’s crucial that you have the self-care tools needed to weather them.
Here are some resources you should add to your mental health toolkit:
Mindfulness apps
If you’re already into meditating, there’s a good chance you’ve already got a few mindfulness apps downloaded onto your phone. But if not, here are a few trusty ones that you should save for a rainy day when you’re feeling down in the dumps. All three of the apps below are free, though there are in-app purchases available if you’re wanting to upgrade.
- Mindfulness.com – On this app, you’ll find more than 2,000 guided meditations led by world-class teachers, as well as sleep sounds, playlists that can help you stay focussed and calm, breath work guidance, Q+A’s with experts, reflection prompts, and more. Mindfulness.com is a superb option for those eager to embark on a journey that’s supportive of their mental health as the app can be used daily to keep you on track.
- Smiling Mind – Aside from its cute name, we love this resource because it has tons of guided meditations, sounds for stress and sleep, and specialized programs for adults, kids, educators, and health care workers.
- Healthy Minds Program – This helpful app was founded by neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson, and the training programs are sorted into these four pillars: Awareness, Insight, Connection,and Purpose. You’ll find podcasts, guided meditations, and podcast-style sessions when exploring this app.
Therapy platforms
For those who aren’t already scheduling monthly in-person dates with a therapist, consider taking advantage of an online therapy platform. You can find tons of therapy platforms, specific to your personal needs, through a quick Internet search. Bliss Free Online Therapy for Depression is a good interactive program for those struggling with depression. And you can find someone to talk to through 7 Cups, a website that connects people with free emotional support. Online mental health support is affordable, convenient, and easily accessible.
Journaling apps
Writing out your thoughts and feelings regularly can also prove to be very helpful when it comes to self-improvement and mental health support. The road to emotional well-being involves a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the coping mechanisms that work best for you.
Journey Journal App is a wonderful online mental health resource for those looking to calm their mind and gain a deeper gratitude for their own life. If you struggle with anxiety or consider yourself to be a “worry wart”, WorryTree can help you focus more on the moment. These free apps often provide you with writing prompts that can be completed as often as you find necessary.
Podcasts
You can truly find a podcast on any topic these days, and we’re so lucky for that. Podcasts like The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, Therapy for Black Girls, and We Can Do Hard Things can provide you with mental health tips and tricks that’ll keep your mood on track. Listen to these when you’re working out, having a bubble bath, on your walk to work, or when you’re cooking dinner!
