There’s no use, really, in detailing here the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our collective mental well-being. The reality of what we’ve experienced and continue to experience is something we all need no reminder about—the isolation, tragedy, exhaustion, and despair of these past 18 months has affected each and every one of us in ways big and small.
Through it all, however, there is one thing to feel hopeful about. While we have a long way to go before being engaged in caring for our mental health becomes truly destigmatized, it’s clear that there’s been a shift in how we’re willing to openly discuss it, and one that seems possibly accelerated by the emotionally crushing times we’re living in—pandemic, racial reckoning, environmental crises, and all. From athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles bowing out of the highest levels of competition to focus on their mental health to the countless ads for teletherapy you may have heard while listening to your favorite podcast, it can seem like suddenly everywhere you turn someone is talking about the importance of focusing on mental health.
This, of course, is a good thing. As the editor in chief of a health-and-wellness brand, it goes without saying that I’m grateful to those who are bravely advancing these conversations, and I’m hopeful that this is the start of a movement that makes mental well-being a priority when deciding things like policy, corporate governance, and how our society functions overall. I also know, as someone who is relatively new to the world of therapy, that actually prioritizing your mental health is easier said than done. This is why today we’re launching our Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health. It’s our one-stop spot for brand-new tips and advice alongside a few of our best previously published content, with the goal of getting you what you need to know, whether you’re looking to find a therapist, trying a new mental health technique, or are really just ready to focus on your mental well-being and don’t know where to start.
Need advice on therapy? Take our short quiz and be directed to resources tailored to your situation. Trying to persuade a loved one to make an appointment? You’ll want to read this guide to talking to a family member about going to therapy. Just want to know what you can do in a few minutes that can help you feel a little better? We’ve rounded up 50 of our all-time best mental health tips.
We also have several resources for navigating mental health care for people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups, because sometimes it can be hard to find specific information or even a therapist who understands what you’re going through. Check out our roundup of 101 mental health resources for marginalized communities and How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist for more on that front.