I feel like this should be obvious, but I would be derelict in duty if I went without saying that while sewing can be therapeutic, it is not a replacement for real mental health treatment. Sewing is not my therapy. Therapy is my therapy.
Here are some resources if you are seeking help for a mental illness, or just want to understand it better. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
Crisis Hotlines
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255
- The Trevor Project – 866-488-7386 aimed at LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline – 888-843-4564
- Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860
Therapist Directories
- Psychology Today – You can search for a therapist by your location, areas of treatment, insurance plans, and much more. You can also search for psychiatrists if you\’re in need of medication.
- Therapy for Latinx – I\’ve personally used this site to find a Latinx therapist in my area. They also have a wonderful Instagram account.
- Latinx Therapy – A directory for finding a Latinx therapist, as well as resources and an excellent podcast that I regularly listen to.
- Therapy for Black Girls – Another resource to find a culturally-competent therapist. They also resources on what to expect from therapy, and there\’s a podcast.
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network – An organization working to advance mental health care in queer and trans communities of color. There\’s a directory of therapists, a mental health fund, and more.
Books
Fiction
- \”I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter\” by Erika L. Sanchez – A coming-of-age-tale of a Mexican-American teenager in Chicago. I felt so seen reading this book. (CW for mentions of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.)
Resource
- \”Loving Someone With Bipolar Disorder\” by Julie A. Fast and John D. Preson, PsyD – A book for people who want to learn how to help a partner suffering from bipolar disorder. I\’m currently reading this.
Podcasts
- The Hilarious World of Depression – Mental health talk with actors, comedians, and other big names in pop culture. Not limited to depression.
- Latinx Therapy – Therapy and mental health from a Latinx perspective.
- Death, Sex & Money – A long-running podcast about the unavoidable things in life.
- Terrible, Thanks for Asking – A podcast about grief.
Other resources
- Make It OK – Sometimes your family means well but say the wrong things. This is a great website with resources on how to talk to loved ones who may be suffering from a mental illness or coming to terms with your own diagnoses.
- Crisis Plan worksheet from Mental Health Minnesota – This will help you create a crisis plan in order to help loved ones navigate what to do if you\’re in a mental health emergency. (Someone on Tumblr recommended to laminate this.)
- Navigating a Mental Health Crisis – a resource guide by NAMI on what to do in a mental health emergency.