Category Archives

Stigma

Woman with mascara running holds a sign in front of her face with a smile on it.

Sometimes I Feel Ashamed of My Mental Health

By Kristance Harlow | November 29, 2019 |
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I think I should be different by now. That I should be better by now. And I don’t want to reveal the extent of my struggle because I feel ashamed. I’m embarrassed.

prescription drug bottles

No, You Aren’t a Drug Addict If You Take Antidepressants

By Kristance Harlow | November 28, 2019 |
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Addiction or dependence? Words have meaning — and when it comes to something as serious as addiction, getting them right matters.

The Hollywood sign

6 Movies That Portray Mental Health and Depression Realistically

By Kristance Harlow | November 26, 2019 |
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Movies have the power to shape how we perceive the world. Here are several films that protray mental illness respectfully and honestly.

Neon sign "you are what you listen to"

8 Super Relatable Songs About Addiction and Recovery 2014-2019

By Kristance Harlow | November 25, 2019 |
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Drug-fueled parties, overdoses, stories of survival and despair. These songs deal with all that and more.

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Finding Meaning in Tragedy: Addiction, Trauma, and Activism

By Kristance Harlow | November 24, 2019 |
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Turning grief into activism is a powerful way to process and give meaning to the pain of traumas like the death of a loved one who struggled with addiction.

woman walking up stairs

Can 12-Step Programs Treat Dual Diagnoses?

By Kristance Harlow | November 23, 2019 |
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Effective treatment needs to include both the substance use disorder and the co-occurring disorder in an integrated approach because the two conditions build on each other.

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I Don’t Always Feel Relief After a 12-Step Meeting

By Kristance Harlow | August 15, 2019 |
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Why would someone continue to go to something that they don’t always like and don’t feel immediate relief from? I’m playing the long game.

header image of happiness

Letting Go of Control: How I Stopped Trying to Force Solutions

By Kristance Harlow | August 15, 2019 |
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Recognizing that I am not responsible for and cannot fix other people’s feelings is powerful; it frees up so much space and time for me to do my own healing and growing.

header image about self care

How to Manage Depression: 6 Simple Reminders

By Kristance Harlow | August 15, 2019 |
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Treat yourself with gentleness and forgiveness. With every negative thought about yourself, throw in a dose of self-love. Self-compassion can reduce the severity of depression and anxiety.

image depicting thoughtfulness and drama

Are the 12 Steps Safe for Trauma Survivors?

By Kristance Harlow | August 15, 2019 |
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When the 4th and 5th steps are done without support for the symptoms of PTSD, they have the potential to retraumatize.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. The numbers listed here are the commonly used numbers for the stated region, the numbers can vary greatly depending on where you live. If you don't know your country's equivalent to 911, this wiki page and The Lifeline Foundation have comprehensive listings.

Americas

911

The Americas

Europe

112

Europe

Africa

112 & 999

Africa

Asia

112, 999, 110

Asia

Oceania

112, 911, 999, 111, & 000

Oceania

Find help for a crisis by texting, calling, or chatting online with these free crisis organizations. Looking for one outside of the USA? Check out our support listings.

Crisis Text Line
Text: “HOME” to 741741

Suicide Lifeline
Text: “ANSWER” to 839863
Call: 1-800-273-8255

Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453

The Trevor Project
Text “START” to 678678
1-866-488-7386

These online and international resources may help you anywhere you are located. Looking for local support outside of the USA? Check out our support listings.

DV Support Abroad
Call toll-free worldwide
1-833-723-3833

I'm Alive Virtual Crisis Center
Live chat with trained volunteers

Crisis Connections
24/7 crisis support with interpretation in 155+ languages