Links
As always, if you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance, please make use of the following resources:
International Suicide Prevention Wiki – international directory of suicide prevention hotlines.
7 Cups of Tea – an online counseling service I have used (free and paid features).
BetterHelp – the online counseling service I used (requires subscription).
The Mighty – an online community that I have found particularly helpful.
Mental Health and Mesothelioma – I find the resources here helpful not just for cancer patients, but for anyone struggling with mental health. The tips on living with the diagnosis echoed tips I’ve heard and used for handling depression and anxiety. Acceptance of a diagnosis, preparing to battle your way out of the Chamber of the Ordeal, finding enjoyment in the little things, seeking support, and setting boundaries for communication – all great advice for whatever health or mental health battle you are facing.
Youper app – I use this daily to track my moods and the factors that influence them. I sincerely appreciate the monthly check-up surveys, which allow me to see how my depression, social anxiety, and general anxiety are improving or worsening over time.
Breathe2Relax app – I use this when I feel a panic attack coming on. It has helped stop some of my attacks. It is also useful as a brief mindfulness/meditation app.
I Love Hue app – this has been helpful as a relaxation tool. I find the positive feedback after every level to be especially beneficial in terms of building self-confidence and supporting self-love.
Day One app – I’ve been using this app for a streak of 1,682 days as of April 9, 2024. I like this journaling app because it has a low annual fee ($34.99), allows me to have multiple journals (kind of like Microsoft OneNote, but better organized for journaling), and allows me to include a lot of media (I like to include photos and screenshots I took that day). I also really like the daily prompts and the occasional journaling challenges. I like the features of premium – unlimited journals; sync across multiple devices (so I can update on my phone or my computer); unlimited photos, videos, audio recordings, drawings, and more. The new “Shared Journal” feature has been great for tracking the weekly “What worked” discussion I have with my sister – it lets us both see the notes.
Migraine Buddy app – As my migraines have become more frequent over the years, this tool has been especially helpful in tracking my headaches – exhaustion, tension, and full-on migraine. I really like the included air pressure monitoring and the monthly and quarterly reports.
Weighted Blankets – We have three in my house. I find they don’t trigger my touch aversion when I’m overwhelmed, which allows me to have the comfort of pressure against me even when I can’t handle the touch of my sister or my dog. I find I sleep better when I use one and laying under the biggest one we own has helped me calm down from high anxiety spikes many times over the past few years.
Apollo Neuro – This is can be worn as a bracelet, as my sister prefers, or around the ankle, as I prefer. It’s an odd tool, in that it utilizes vibration in specific patterns to target focus, boost energy, assist with meditation, and even ease headaches and nausea. It’s definitely an investment, but I’ve used it for several years now and it has helped not only with lowering stress levels and overwhelm, but has also helped me recover more calmly in the midst of a high anxiety spike and even in the midst of a full-on panic attack. I recommend waiting for a sale or buying refurbished – save money when you can, right?
My Mental Health Journey – Blog Posts
While maintaining stable mental health is likely to be a lifelong journey for me, I have detailed my worst battle with depression and anxiety, as of 2018-2019, in the posts linked below:
Katie's Nook 