Think you are going out of your mind? Check it out online!
Wednesday, 14 July 2010.
Originally from express article 14 July 2010
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| Diana Rands from CADS. |
In my last Express column I outlined some of the fantastic online sites both here and overseas that give instant access to information and support for people thinking about their own or another person’s alcohol and other drug use. Well, the good news is that this information and support is also available online for the whole range of mental health issues.
To start with our New Zealand sites: The Ministry of Health’s’ National Depression Initiative has two fantastic sites. One that is aimed at young adults is: www.thelowdown.co.nz. As well as information, there is a text and email support service for young people to get in touch with trained counsellors. They can also share their experiences and offer support to their peers on the message board which is funky, has great information and music and has a section on sexuality, gender identity and depression.
The other is: www.depression.org.nz which is an online self management programme for people experiencing mild to moderate depression. It teaches people techniques they can easily use in everyday life to help manage their own depression. As in ‘the low down’ it is backed up by operators to ensure participants have access to personalised help if they want it either online (email or webchat) or by phone or text. John Kirwan is a cool host for the site, but you do need speakers.
Another NZ site put together by Auckland University is: www.calm.auckland.ac.nz. Calm stands for Computer Assisted Learning for the Mind. It covers mental resilience, managing stress, anxiety and depression, healthy relationships and finding meaning in life – all excellent stuff!
www.mentalhealth.org.nz is a generic site by the Mental Health Foundation that includes information, evidence-based research and best practice as well as support. The most ‘hands-on’ section of the site is their fantastic Youth Action Network – VIBE, which brings together young adults who have had an experience of mental illness.
Our Australian brothers and sisters have created a simply wonderful site that focuses on depression: www.beyondblue.org.au which is chock-a-block with information including symptoms checklists research, getting help etc. I was really impressed with a recent initiative showcased on the site: “Feeling Queer and Blue: A review of the literature on depression and related issues among gay, lesbian, bisexual and homosexually active people.” Definitely worth checking out!
Another Australian site is: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au welcome where you learn cognitive behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. This includes information, exercises and a workbook to track your progress and record your experiences, and toolkits to help you improve your mood and emotional state, and tackle challenges that you may be facing. It is one of a number of sites where you have to create a user name to access – which should not be a problem as you can pick an anonymous name if you want.
A cool UK site I came across is: www.livinglifetothefull.co.uk - once again you have to register.
Of course the Americans have got some great sites too and a couple recommended are: http://blogs.psychcentral.com Psych Central is maintained by Dr. Grohol and a staff of contributing editors. It includes mental health information, guides to other websites, newsgroups, and mailing lists.
The other American site is: www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu developed by Dr Martin Seligman, founder of Positive Psychology. As the name suggests it is all about increasing happiness -now that has to be a good thing!
Take some time to check out these websites, even if you're not feeling blue, you may find a way to put some more colour into your life – or the life of someone you care about!
When you’re ready to talk about your alcohol or other drug use, or you’re concerned about someone else contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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