Navigating Mental Health Resources: Where to Start

Finding the right mental health resources can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling. However, the right support can make a world of difference in your healing journey. Whether you're seeking therapy, looking for support groups, or exploring online tools, there are a variety of resources available to help. This guide will provide practical advice on how to start your search, how to choose the right resources for your needs, and how to make the most of the support you receive.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into the available resources, it’s important to first reflect on your mental health needs. Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress? Perhaps you're navigating a specific life transition, or looking for strategies to manage a mental health setback. Understanding the nature of your challenges will help guide you toward the most appropriate resources.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I need professional therapy or counselling?
Am I looking for peer support, such as a support group?
Is my need urgent, requiring crisis intervention?
Do I prefer online tools or in-person services?
How do I feel about medication as a part of my treatment plan?

Once you have a clearer picture of your needs, you’ll be better equipped to seek out the right resources. Let’s explore some of the main options available.

1. Therapy and Counselling

Therapy is one of the most common and effective forms of mental health support. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or simply navigating a difficult period, therapy can provide you with the tools to cope and heal. There are several types of therapy to consider:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, which is especially useful for managing anxiety and depression. I touched on the importance of recognising and challenging negative thoughts in my blog post Breaking the Cycle: Dealing with Negative Thought Patterns.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Tailored to individuals dealing with trauma, including PTSD and complex PTSD. In my post The Impact of Trauma on Relationships, I discussed how trauma affects relationships, and trauma-focused therapy is an important tool in processing these experiences.
Psychodynamic Therapy: A deeper exploration of unconscious patterns and past experiences that may be impacting your current mental health.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps individuals accept their emotions rather than avoiding them, with a focus on mindfulness.

To find a therapist, you can:

Ask for referrals from your GP or a healthcare professional.
Search online directories like Psychology Today, which allow you to filter therapists by speciality, location, and insurance.
Use local mental health organisations that may offer subsidised or sliding scale fees for therapy.

Remember, finding the right therapist can take time. It's important to choose someone you feel comfortable with, and it's perfectly okay to "shop around" until you find the right fit.

2. Support Groups

Sometimes, the best support comes from others who are going through similar experiences. Support groups provide a safe space to share your struggles, hear others’ stories, and receive encouragement. These groups can be incredibly beneficial, especially for those dealing with trauma, addiction, grief, or other life challenges.

You can find support groups through:

Local mental health organisations and hospitals.
Online platforms like Meetup or Facebook Groups.
National organisations like Beyond Blue or SANE Australia, which offer groups for specific mental health concerns.

Many groups offer both in-person and virtual options, allowing you to choose a format that feels comfortable for you.

3. Crisis Resources

For immediate mental health support, crisis services are available 24/7. These services are crucial if you or someone you know is in danger of self-harm, suicide, or experiencing a mental health emergency.

Key crisis resources include:

Lifeline Australia: Available 24/7, offering free and confidential support (13 11 14).
Kids Helpline: A free service for individuals aged 5 to 25 (1800 55 1800).
Suicide Call Back Service: Offers counselling for those at risk of suicide (1300 659 467).
Emergency Services: If there is immediate danger, call 000.

It’s important to have these numbers readily available, even if you’re not in a crisis now. Share them with loved ones, too, so that they can access support if needed. I have some more numbers listed at the end of every blog post in this series.

4. Online Mental Health Tools

In today’s digital age, many mental health resources are available online. These tools can be a great option if you prefer managing your mental health privately or want to complement in-person services.

Some popular online resources include:

Headspace: A meditation app that offers guided mindfulness exercises, which can be helpful in managing anxiety and stress. I discussed the importance of mindfulness in Mindfulness and Meditation for Mental Health.
MoodMission: An app designed to help those struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression by suggesting small, manageable tasks based on your current mood.
BetterHelp: An online therapy platform that connects you with licensed therapists via messaging, phone, or video chat.
Calm: Offers meditation and relaxation exercises aimed at reducing stress and improving sleep.

Online tools are especially useful for those with limited access to in-person services or those who feel more comfortable engaging with mental health resources from home.

5. Medication

For some individuals, medication plays an essential role in managing mental health conditions. In my blog post Exploring Medication as a Tool for Mental Health, I outlined the benefits and challenges of using medication to manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider when exploring medication options. Medication may not be the right solution for everyone, but it can be highly effective in stabilising symptoms and allowing other forms of therapy to be more successful.

6. Choosing the Right Resources

When navigating mental health resources, it’s crucial to consider your personal preferences, needs, and comfort level. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right resources:

Consider Your Comfort Level: Some people prefer face-to-face interactions, while others feel more comfortable engaging with online tools or virtual therapy. Choose what works best for you.
Assess the Level of Support You Need: If you’re going through a crisis, crisis intervention services will be more helpful than weekly therapy sessions. Conversely, if you’re looking for ongoing support, consider long-term therapy or support groups.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Different Resources: What works for one person may not work for another. If you try therapy and it doesn’t feel like a good fit, consider switching therapists or exploring different treatment options. The same goes for support groups or online tools.
Check for Affordability: Mental health services can sometimes be costly. Look into services with sliding scale fees, community mental health programs, or online resources that offer affordable or free services. Some professionals will bulk bill if you need them too, and all Australian Veterans are eligible for a DVA White Card that gives them FREE mental health treatment and support.

Conclusion: Your Mental Health Matters

Navigating mental health resources can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that help is out there. Whether you're seeking therapy, support groups, crisis intervention, or online tools, the right resources can help you manage your mental health and take steps toward recovery.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether from friends, family, or healthcare professionals. The journey toward mental health is not a solitary one, and by accessing the right resources, you’re taking a critical step in prioritising your well-being.

It’s okay to take your time finding the right fit and remember, as I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, self-compassion is key. Be patient with yourself and trust that your healing process is valid, no matter the pace.

A note about the author: Craig Field (me) is not a trained counsellor or therapist. I do try to offer advice based on my own personal experience; however, you should always talk to a medical practitioner or qualified therapist to come up with a tailored plan to help with your illness.

My knowledge comes from my own personal, lived experience and that of witnessing people close to me navigating the mental health system.

These blog posts are not intended to replace your doctor or psychologist.

Together we CAN make a difference!

If this post has brought up some difficult thoughts for you, please seek help from your doctor or one of the services listed below. In an emergency dial 000.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

13YARN 13 92 76

Blue Knot Helpline 1300 657 380

First Nations Support Line 1800 959 500

Headspace 1800 650 890

Mens Helpline 1300 789 978

Standby support after suicide 1300 727 247

Would you like to learn real skills that will help in the real world?

Dm me or contact via my website because together we can make a difference.

Link in bio