Mental Health Resources

by Mailea Ang, 2021 CSULB Long Beach Forward Intern

We’re currently living in stressful times, and by now it’s becoming clear just how much this time has affected the mental health of friends, family, our community, and ourselves. Often professional help is not an immediate option so we’ve compiled a list of free resources to help with mental health from home. Although these resources do not replace therapy or other professional help, they can help alleviate the mental tolls this pandemic has taken on us.

Historically, mental health fell victim to extreme stigma and taboo, and even to this day, those stigmas remain and lack consolation for those struggling with it daily. We need to address mental health akin to physical health and practice compassion to support all kinds of people, regardless of gender, race, age, etc. By encouraging open expression, we can normalize conversations about mental health and help those that need it. Overcoming poor mental health is an unseen battle, and if left alone, its results could manifest into behaviors that negatively affect daily functioning. We need to emphasize that reaching out for help doesn’t make you weak or fragile; fighting these battles takes the greatest strength, and people don’t have to do it alone.