Organizations That Educate and Offer Help
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) NAMI is the largest grassroots organization devoted to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. Through various programs, it aims to change public perception about mental illness, help its members manage mental illness, and build up family relationships. Reach the help line at 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or text “NAMI” to 741741. Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) The ADAA works to improve the quality of life of those affected by anxiety and depression and related disorders. This nonprofit’s programs provide education, resources, and support for people to find treatment. If you’re looking for a therapist, check out the ADAA’s directory. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) The NIMH is the largest biomedical research organization in the world committed to understanding the treatment and prevention of mental disorders. It funds research “to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.” If you’re interested in joining a study, visit its clinical trials page. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The mental health resources from the CDC are a good source of public health information. Test your knowledge of mental illness in the Mental Health Quiz. American Psychological Association On the website for this professional organization of psychologists, learn how a psychologist can work with you to alleviate symptoms of depression. It also offers information on how to manage health and well-being while coping with depression and anxiety. American Psychiatric Association This medical society’s members work to ensure that people with mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, receive humane care and effective treatment. Educational material, as well as help finding a psychiatrist, is available on its website.
Financial Help Managing the Cost of Therapy and Medication
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Medicine Assistance Tool This confidential search engine will help you find therapy and prescription assistance free of charge. You can enter your information to receive personalized assistance or simply learn more about prescription costs, healthcare insurance, and more. To receive assistance by phone, call 571-350-8643. NeedyMeds This national nonprofit provides information on healthcare programs and offers direct assistance to help people afford their medications and other health-related costs. Its Drug Pricing Calculator allows you to compare the cost of your medications at different pharmacies in your area. For more assistance, you can reach the NeedyMeds help line at 800-503-6897. Together Rx Access Through the Together Rx Access Savings Program, individuals and families without prescription drug coverage can get access to immediate savings on hundreds of brand-name and generic prescription products at their neighborhood pharmacies. Check out its step-by-step guide on how to order medication or how to schedule an online consultation if you don’t have a prescription. Call 800-444-4106 to receive assistance by phone. Social Security Administration Find out if you qualify for benefits and what medication and therapy services are covered by Medicare. Care for Your Mind This website offers advice on finding affordable therapy. It also provides information on care coordination, access to treatment, veterans, workplace issues, Medicare, and more.
Coping, Advocacy, and Support for People With Depression
Anxiety and Depression Association of America This website offers blogs by experts and patients, educational webinars, and help finding a support group near you (or information on how to start one if none are available). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention This organization offers support and educational material for people contemplating suicide. Learn how to talk to someone who is having suicidal thoughts, or get help for yourself or someone you know who may be considering suicide. If you need to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) The DBSA focuses on educating, supporting, and promoting wellness for people who have depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. On its website, you can find a support group — local or online — or log your mental health journey using its Wellness Toolbox. Erika’s Lighthouse This site builds awareness around teenage depression. Get a better understanding of teen mental health through stories on its blog. Also, check out its Teen Toolbox if you’re struggling with depression or if you know a teenager with depression. Families for Depression Awareness This organization provides support for families with loved ones who have depression and bipolar disorder. If you think you or a loved one may have depression, you can take an anonymous test. You can also find out if depressive disorders run in your family. If you’d like to keep track of your or a loved one’s mental health, try the Depression Wellness Analyzer. HelpGuide HelpGuide is an online resource designed to educate people on mental health and help people better understand how they can support their mental health. If you’re feeling stressed, listen to one of its relaxing guided meditations. MoodNetwork This online community aims to reach people who have mood disorders. Check out its blog to read personal stories of people living with depression. To Write Love on Her Arms This nonprofit organization aims to support people who live with depression, addiction, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts and also invests in treatment options. You can read personal stories on its blog, listen to discussions about mental health on its podcast, and keep track of your mood on its app, The Hopeful.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Individuals
The Trevor Project This national organization focuses on suicide prevention among young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Reach its crisis help line by calling 866-488-7386 or texting START to 678-678. It Gets Better Project This nonprofit organization supports, empowers, and connects LGBTQ+ people from all over the world. Read or watch stories told by LGBTQ+ people, or share your own. Human Rights Campaign This organization is geared toward fighting for the equal treatment of LGBTQ+ people. Check out the campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index 2020, which assesses the inclusivity of healthcare practices and policies.
Resources for Black Individuals
Therapy for Black Girls This website is geared toward destigmatizing mental health issues among young Black women and girls, and providing them with information that is accessible and applicable to their life experiences. Check out its blog, listen to the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, and find a therapist who can see you either in person or online. Depressed While Black This online community advocates for Black-affirming mental health support for Black people who have severe depression. Stay up to date with the community on its Facebook page, or sign up for its newsletter.
Facts and Statistics About Depression
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention View data on the prevalence of depression among adults ages 20 or older, and learn more about depression among women. Anxiety and Depression Association of America Read data and research surrounding anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. National Institute of Mental Health Check out information about the prevalence of major depressive episodes among American adults.
Medications and Therapies Used to Treat Depression
Brintellix (vortioxetine) Citalopram (celexa) Cymbalta (duloxetine) Effexor (venlafaxine) Fetzima (levomilnacipran) Lexapro (escitalopram) Paroxetine (paxil) Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) Prozac (fluoxetine) Trazodone (desyrel) Viibryd (vilazodone) Wellbutrin (bupropion) Zoloft (sertraline)
Patient Blogs on the Real Experience of Coping With Depression
Lawyers With Depression Dan Lukasik, a lawyer from Buffalo, New York, started this blog to help law students, judges, and lawyers who cope with depression. Read his posts about depression among men and how to change your thinking. Postpartum Progress Katherine Stone founded Postpartum Progress, the world’s most widely read blog about maternal mental illness, to help other pregnant women and new mothers with postpartum depression and other mental illnesses related to pregnancy and childbirth. On the website, you can find treatment programs, support groups in your area, a list of Black mental health providers, and more. Depression Marathon This patient blog was started by a female runner and health professional with severe and persistent depression. Her posts touch on how her life has changed since being diagnosed with depression and alcoholism, how she copes through running, and her thoughts on life in general.
Tests to Gauge if You’re Depressed
Psychology Today Mental Health America Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance UpToDate
Clinical Trials That Address Depression
Anxiety and Depression Association of America National Institute of Mental Health ClinicalTrials.gov Additional reporting by Pamela Kaufman, Nicol Natale, Bernadette Young, and Leona Vaughn.
