Mental health is a big deal. We, as a society, often down-play or outright ignore the importance of having access to quality care and resources. I have suffered from major depressive disorder and general anxiety for most of my adult life. I’ve also been horribly under-insured for the same length of time. I brought together a small collection of resources (sadly, most if not all are specific to America.)

• Open Path Collective - An organization dedicated to providing its members quality mental health care at reasonable prices. Has some advice/guides on how to effectively use your health insurance (if one is lucky enough to have health insurance) to cover mental health.
• MHMR - Texas/Virginia specific. My current behavioral health provider. Sliding scale payments. Social/Case Workers provided. A governmental entity, but doing the good work as best it can.
• The National Suicide Hotline - Simply dial 988 from any phone: cellular or land-line, and you will get a real live person who is trained in proper ways to talk to you when you’re in suicidal crisis. They have access to resources and get you in touch with local mental health organizations. **This is not forever. You can overcome your crisis. **
• Crisis Text Hotline - Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA to begin texting with a crisis counselor who will help you navigate your feelings and emotions when in crisis mode. This hotline is different from the suicide one in that it deals with any crisis you may be going through.

Please know that you are worthy and deserving of any and all good things that come your way. I don’t know you but I love you.