Are you looking for some direction and uncertain where to begin your mental health journey? Having a book like "Where to Start" can help people who are experiencing challenges with their mental health state to find some guidance along with resources. With a jargon-free approach, the book may help individuals (like us) to understand better about the warning signs, symptoms, and options for mental health management.
Mental Health America has partnered up with cartoonist, Gemma Correll, to fill the book with engaging and humorous illustrations to help us navigate life's struggles and the powerhouse of Penguin Random House to get this resource into the hands of as many people as possible.
The book is divided into four parts:
Part One: Am I Okay? dives into the symptoms and causes of various mental health conditions in an understandable format and a self-assessment quiz to understand what's happening within your own head.
Part Two: Talking About It shares ways for readers to discuss their mental health needs with parents, caretakers, or friends, including handling awkwardness or questions. Coupled with worksheets to help make the conversations flow better, this chapter takes the stigma out of talking about mental illness in a way that will help the reader get the help they need faster.
Part Three: Getting Help dives into the various types of mental health assistance available across the US. Including telehealth, hotlines, hospitalization, medications, and more, Where to Start provides an outlet to understand the type of treatment that may work best for you.
Part Four: DIY Mental Health Practices provides helpful tips and tricks so readers can care for themselves at home or take action to prevent further escalations or symptoms. A resource list at the end provides organizations and websites for further information and help.
Images + text from the Mental Health America Site