The importance of maintaining both your physical and emotional wellness cannot be overstated. But it’s not always simple to locate affordable assistance. Fortunately, there are many excellent free internet tools that can offer essential support for your mental health. Below are my top ten choices:
Mind (mind.org.uk):
- Leading mental health organisation offering guidance and assistance.
- Workshops, advice, and techniques for managing mental illness.
- Active peer support community online.
Rethink Mental Illness (rethink.org):
- Practical advice for living with mental health conditions.
- Online community forums for speaking with others.
- Local support groups across England.
The Mix (themix.org.uk):
- Aimed at those under 25 years old.
- Free confidential helpline and webchat counselling.
- Covers any challenge including mental health.
Samaritans (samaritans.org):
- Call, email, and in-person access to a 24-hour emotional support line.
- Totally private listening service.
- Trained volunteers offer compassionate support.
Sane (sane.org.uk):
- Information and emotional support hotline.
- Tools for self-help, forums, and text-based support.
- Centred on enhancing the quality of life for people with mental illnesses.
CALM (calm.com):
- Assisting in times of need and preventing suicide.
- 24/7 confidential webchat support service, 5 p.m. to midnight.
- Campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness.
Big White Wall (bigwhitewall.com):
- A private online group that supports mental health.
- Supervised online environment with qualified staff.
- Using creative avenues like writing and art, share responsibly.
Elefriends (elefriends.org.uk):
- Supportive, caring online community hosted by Mind.
- Moderate messages to maintain safe, friendly atmosphere.
- Be open about mental health experiences.
Counselling Directory (counselling-directory.org.uk):
- Enables you to self-refer to licenced, reasonably priced counsellors.
- Find therapists in a database by their specialisation and location.
- Remote consultations are offered through phone, email, and video.
TalkSpace (talkspace.com):
- Text, voice, and video messaging can be used for therapy.
- Licenced therapists and counsellors are available.
- Affordable and practical online platform.
This list offers a great starting point to find the mental health support you need. Whether you want to speak to someone right away, join an online community, or make a long-term counselling plan, there are resources available. Don’t be afraid to reach out – taking the first step is courageous and you deserve support.