Mental Health Resource Hub

Welcome to my website’s “Mental Health Resource Hub” 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 that are 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Shamieh Law page discusses how ADHD can affect driving due to symptoms like inattention and impulsivity, leading to a higher risk of accidents and traffic violations. It outlines the specific challenges ADHD drivers face, such as distractions and decision-making issues, and offers advice for safely managing driving risks. The guide also provides tips for teenagers with ADHD to successfully obtain their driver’s licenses with proper preparation and education. For more details, you can view the full article here.

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.

Crestview Recovery in Portland offers personalized mental health treatment programs, including inpatient and outpatient care for conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. They use therapies like CBT and DBT, focusing on helping individuals build coping strategies. For more details, you can visit the full webpage here.

Blume Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach provides specialized mental health treatment for teens aged 12-17. Their services include residential treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. They also offer academic support, mentorship programs, and family therapy to foster holistic healing. Blume’s goal is to equip teens with coping skills and resilience to manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other common adolescent mental health disorders. The program focuses on creating a safe, structured environment for recovery. For more details, you can visit the full webpage here.

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

Ambrosia Treatment Center specializes in addiction and mental health treatment, providing individualized care through detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and dual diagnosis treatment. Their approach integrates traditional therapy with holistic practices to support long-term recovery. For more details, you can visit the full webpage here.

California Addiction Treatment specializes in comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals battling substance abuse, with a particular focus on detoxification and dual diagnosis treatment. Located in Huntington Beach, the center provides medically supervised detox programs for a wide range of substances, including alcohol, opioids, and kratom, ensuring a safe withdrawal process. The facility also offers personalized treatment plans that combine medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual and group therapy, and trauma-informed care. Their programs are designed to support long-term recovery by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

First Steps Recovery offers a full spectrum of addiction and mental health services in Fresno County, California. Their programs include intervention, medically supervised detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services. They also provide extensive aftercare and alumni support to help individuals achieve long-term sobriety. The center specializes in evidence-based and holistic therapies, including treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. They also offer specialized services for veterans and are in-network with many major insurance providers​. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Northern Illinois Recovery Center offers a comprehensive range of addiction treatment services, including detox programs for substances such as benzos, heroin, and methadone, alongside residential and outpatient treatment options. Their programs cater to various levels of care, from Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) to sober living and aftercare. They also provide specialized treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Their therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family therapy, and holistic approaches like yoga therapy. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Westwind Recovery offers a range of addiction treatment services in Los Angeles, including detox, residential, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs. They specialize in dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, trauma therapy, LGBTQ-focused rehab, and chronic pain management. Holistic therapies such as adventure therapy, art therapy, and virtual reality meditation are available, alongside traditional approaches like individual, group, and family therapy. Their programs are designed to provide flexible options for those with daytime commitments, as well as long-term recovery support through their alumni program. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Discovery Institute in New Jersey provides comprehensive addiction treatment services focused on helping individuals overcome substance abuse. Their offerings include medically supervised detox programs for various substances like opioids, prescription drugs, methamphetamines, and alcohol. They also provide long-term residential care, intensive outpatient programs, and sober living arrangements. Discovery emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction through therapies, counseling, and ongoing support to help individuals achieve sustainable recovery. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery offers a range of addiction treatment services, including medically supervised detox and residential treatment programs. Their approach includes traditional evidence-based therapies, such as individual and group counseling, along with adventure therapy, allowing clients to engage with nature. The center also addresses co-occurring mental health disorders through dual diagnosis treatment, offering comprehensive care to those with substance abuse and mental health challenges. Their goal is to help individuals build the skills necessary for lasting recovery and a healthier lifestyle. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Acqua Recovery offers comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment services, including both residential and outpatient programs. Their services address substance use disorders such as alcohol, opioid, cocaine, and prescription pill addiction, alongside co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. They provide therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and specialized treatments like EMDR for trauma recovery. Acqua Recovery also integrates holistic therapies, including breathwork and cold water therapy, to promote physical and emotional healing, alongside medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance withdrawal and recovery stabilization. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Golden Gate Recovery offers comprehensive addiction treatment and mental health services specifically designed for men. Located in Marin County, California, the facility provides a structured approach that includes a variety of therapeutic interventions such as individual and group therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Their programs focus on creating personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each client, integrating both substance abuse treatment and mental health care. Additionally, they emphasize a continuum of care that extends beyond initial treatment, supporting clients through prevention, early intervention, and ongoing recovery support. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Immersive Recovery, located in San Diego, California, provides comprehensive addiction treatment services focused on helping men achieve lasting sobriety. Their program integrates clinical and holistic methods to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Services include outpatient rehabilitation, therapy, relapse prevention, and 24/7 support in a structured environment. Their approach promotes personal growth through self-discovery, accountability, and spiritual development, helping clients not only overcome addiction but also rebuild their lives with purpose. They offer a continuum of care, ensuring long-term success through post-treatment support and sober living options. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

Santa Barbara Recovery offers comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment for men, including programs for substance abuse such as alcohol, opioids, meth, and prescription drugs. They provide a holistic approach with individual, group, and family therapy, and offer specialized care for co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The facility also offers sober living, aftercare programs, and experiential therapies to support long-term recovery. Their goal is to create a supportive environment for sustained sobriety and personal growth. For more details you can visit the full webpage here.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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