The complex nature of connecting with people has become even more perplexing with the invention of the internet. Finding mental health help on the internet can seem scary and unexpected; but the new forum for educating others on mental health has gained more and more popularity. Using outlets like social media, video sharing, blogs and online news forums people are speaking out now more than ever. It has become a great source of strength for those that once felt so misunderstood and alone. Now people can literally see just how many people are like them. Finding mental health help online can be very advantageous for those effected to find the right help for them.
Gaining Education on Mental Health
Any sort of exposure to mental health diagnosis can help others to gain real incite despite stereotypes. Many people are afraid of what a mental health diagnosis means. They often link certain diagnosis with derogatory terms like “crazy.” It’s a little different when you can actually start to understand what makes people tick. What the chemicals in their brain are telling them; their inner voices speaking out and showing the world just how they feel. There have been a number of “PSA” type video commercials and celebrities speaking out on the topic of mental health. Some times the stories that have the most impact are those of normal people that you may pass in the grocery store. Taking a peak inside their lives and understanding that each of us is walking around with our own special blend of experiences, genetics, chemistry and trauma. Each of us deals with our baggage in our own way and in the best way we know how. Reaching out to these new online communities and finding more information can help others understand why they are who they are.
Gaining A Voice in the Online Community
Many people have taken to social media and YouTube to share their experiences with mental health. Religious organizations have spoken out as well, creating online videos of people talking about what their mental health has been like. Their experiences and choice to share their feelings can help others understand or even realize what feelings are inside of them. Perhaps finding help before it leads to dramatic or even life changing circumstances can divert catastrophe and help those in need to find help. One YouTube sensation Rachel Star, started talking about her schizophrenia as a 22 year old and sharing her quirky videos on Facebook.
They say her explanation about what a symptom like hallucinations feels like can be really helpful. So can Rachel’s advice on ways to cope with them, like getting a dog or a cat. If the animal doesn’t react to the hallucination, then it’s probably not real, she says.
NPR: “How YouTube Videos Help People Cope With Mental Illness” by Angus Chen
Finding Mental Health Help
Finding help can be difficult. But it is worth it. One of the main themes that you can hear echoed throughout the mental health communities, rehabilitation centers, treatment program and any other therapy or related groups : there is hope. Those three words are the mantra that these communities live by. That must be the case for all of us to understand the result of the recovery process. Hope doesn’t exist without all of us talking with each other and helping each other.
The path to recovery can be confusing for those looking for a diagnosis, gaining help and trusting in the treatment process. There are many ups and downs along the way. The family and friends of those going through hard times have also found solace in the online communities speaking out to help those finding mental health help.
And when I listen to Rachel describe her childhood, visualizing monsters and being disturbed or bothered by certain kinds of things, I could relate to that. That helped me understand some of the things I saw when I was with my daughter and I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what they were.
NPR: “How YouTube Videos Help People Cope With Mental Illness” by Angus Chen
For those with loved ones that are experiencing the effects of mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder or substance abuse; it can be a frightening thing. These communities can help prepare others learn how to support loved ones going through some of these things to know what to expect, what things to watch out for and how to best react. Being prepared for a variety of outcomes can help keep expectations realistic and positive as well.
One community page on Facebook shares a story of one person’s experience with mental health. @AmpiesStory looks to help others understand just what living with these diagnosis looks like from the perspective of some one who has been formally diagnosed. Knowing that there was a community to reach out to online has provided yet another outlet for sharing hope. https://www.facebook.com/AmpiesStory/
Whatever side of the coin you may fall on, there is help. Finding mental health help online or in your community can help prepare and educate those around you. Perhaps learning about one persons struggle may help you see a solution for your own. There is hope; we can help! Feel free to call our highly trained admissions team with any questions: 888-358-8998
Sources:
http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/13/481547500/how-seeing-youtube-videos-helped-me-understand-my-schizophrenia
https://www.facebook.com/AmpiesStory/