3 Things I Learned About Mental Health from My Social Media Community

Two weeks ago, my mother was discharged from the hospital. To say the circumstances have been taxing would be an understatement. While I can’t talk about it much until after the guardianship proceedings have concluded, I can tell you I’ve learned a lot. Much of that wisdom has come from my social media community. Those of you unfamiliar with my situation can get up to speed with my journey by reading my earlier blog posts about mental health and the continuing saga.

I continue to receive messages from friends, colleagues, and even long-lost family members offering support and words of encouragement. Many have shared valuable resources and insight that most people wouldn’t know about unless they dealt with a mental health crisis personally. I want to share three that might be useful if you have a loved one with a mental health issue.

1. A Mental Health Advocate Can Be Difficult to Find.

Someone who experienced a similar situation told me to contact the county mental health department and request a case manager. From her experience, a caseworker from the county must be appointed so that you can receive advocacy services and resources. And — surprise, surprise — there might be a long waiting list!