Mental Health Resources
Did you know - according to the CDC, middle-aged men account for nearly 70% of all suicides?
Mental and emotional health is crucial to overall wellness. The cost of untreated behavioral health concerns is a major concern within communities of color, especially for black and brown men. Treatment for men of color is an unspoken taboo. Many men cannot fight their demons and take their life too soon.
XI THETA PSI's stance on mental health is to eradicate the stigma surrounding men's mental health by promoting awareness via reputable platforms and apps that are dedicated to providing men's mental resources. It is our hope that all men live their best lives, unapologetically.
1. NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is there, 24-7, to ensure that you live to see another day. Everything is confidential and free, so you shouldn't feel ashamed for reaching out for help. If you want to lend a hand and volunteer, they are always accepting applications on their website. 988 - Save it in your phone!
2. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the largest funder of mental health disorders globally, provides a plethora of information on several psychological afflictions, ranging from anxiety to ADHD to suicide prevention. Also, the NIMH offers live events and activities for those searching for mental health education and treatment. There are webinars, lectures, papers, newsletters, and social media engagement events.
Man Therapy's goal is to fight suicide and substance abuse among men, and they do so in such a relatable way: by throwing humor into the mix. They provide plenty of links and resources, like the number to a crisis prevention hotline and safety planning apps for those in distress. Also, they thoroughly discuss positive lifestyle choices, like improving sleep, dealing with life transitions, and being a better father.
4. NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS
Founded by family members of those suffering from poor mental health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an excellent resource for those experiencing psychological turmoil, as well as those caring for loved ones facing these issues. Their main goal is for people to understand that they are not alone. They have a full online library of videos explaining these psychiatric conditions, which are great tools to educate yourself better. They also offer the NAMIHelpLine, which provides free support and guidance for those that are having difficulty dealing with their illness on their own.
5. WHAT'S UP
What's Up is an app created to address and adjust these patterns to better your mental well-being. What's Up combines both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you cope with negative thought patterns, which can trigger mental illness. CBT is a well-renowned psychotherapy approach to modify negative thought patterns through science and practical problem-solving. ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy technique which teaches people to accept their feelings and thoughts, rather than fighting them.
6. MEN'S HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
The Men's Health Resource Center mission is to not only help men deal with their changing physical health but also encourage men to take control of their changing mental health. They emphasize that your issues may seem unique, but others can help, and your current emotional state, just like your physical state, is never set in stone.
Happify views happiness as a skill that needs nourishment, just like the strengthening of a muscle. It uses interactive games and activities to help train this emotion by rewiring negative thought patterns. On their website, Happify believes that by utilizing proven scientific techniques, your mind can change for the better, known as neuroplasticity. Even though humans are hard-wired for pessimism, by fortifying the mind like a muscle, we can learn to deal with everyday stresses more effectively.
One of the goals of Movember is to reduce the suicide rate of men by 25% by the year 2030. By focusing on early intervention, engagement, and working to their strengths, they hope that men can live more prosperous, fulfilling lives.
