Read All About It: Where to Find Mental Health News Articles & Stories
Slowly and surely, coverage of mental health in the media has improved in both quality and volume in recent years. In many communities, the stigma around mental illness has decreased and people are speaking more openly about their mental health. Canadian journalists even created a guide for responsible reporting on mental health, to ensure their language and interviewing practices are respectful and avoid causing harm.
There has also been an increased focus on mental health coverage during COVID-19, as we continue to learn more about the impacts of isolation on our mental wellbeing. Hearing more about mental health in both the news and fictional stories can encourage everyone to become more aware of the many aspects of mental health and wellbeing, and to share their own experiences.
There are countless places where you can read news, get advice from experts, and read stories of individuals and communities affected by mental illness. The following sites are not substitutions for professional medical advice! They are simply our recommendations of where you can read about others who have chosen to share their mental health story with the world.
Most general health publications have a section dedicated to mental health coverage. For example, Health.com’s “Invisible Illness” covers all types of conditions that may not be visible to someone from the outside, including real-life accounts from those living with mental illnesses and some advice pieces as well. They also have a section dedicated to diving into Self-Care, and another that tackles the intersection of health and diversity.
2. Healthline
Healthline has a comprehensive mental health section divided into several categories. Their “COVID-19 ‘Choose-Your-Own-Adventure’ Mental Health Guide” is a great resource that helps pinpoint which feelings you’re grappling with during the pandemic and suggests some solutions and other resources you can turn to. Healthline offers several other guides and resource-filled articles, including sections devoted to anxiety & resiliency, mindfulness, and staying connected during the pandemic.
3. SELF
SELF has a well-rounded mental health section. Their coverage ranges from the stories of celebrities coping with mental illness to writers sharing their personal experiences to helpful listicles and guides. They cover some specific COVID-19 related topics as well, such as “Pandemic Toxic Positivity Isn’t Just Annoying. It’s Dangerous.” and tackle questions like Do I Have a Mental Illness, or Am I Just Reacting to the Pandemic?
This is a relatively new mental health and wellness magazine based in the UK that aims to tell real stories of people living with mental illness. They strive to “give a voice to people with vital stories that desperately need to be told.” From “6 Things to do when you’re feeling anxious” to “What it’s like to live with a Disability And A Mental Illness At The Same Time to How To Find The Motivation To Shower When You Have Depression — they have many niches in the area of mental health covered. The Breakdown also publishes a range of lifestyle and wellness content in the areas of food, beauty, relationships, and family.
Libero is a non-profit magazine and online community focused on mental health. Based in Vancouver, they publish a wide range of mental health content, including a section focusing on how to cope with COVID-19, and sections focused on eating disorders and body positivity. Their “Ask an Expert” column connects readers with questions to professionals in the mental health field. Libero encourages submissions from mental health bloggers and anyone else looking to share their stories.
6. Mental Health section of major publications
Mental health is no longer a taboo subject and has now moved into mainstream media coverage. Major outlets such as NYT, NBC, Global News, and HuffPost have sections dedicated to news and compelling stories about mental health. While many of these are news-oriented to keep you up to date on current stories about mental health, they also include articles with advice backed up by experts.
Of course, Ryerson SMASH also publishes mental health blogs right here on Medium! We’re run by students, for students, so our blogs focus on mental health and wellbeing issues that affect those in our university community.
We hope you’ve found some new sources you can turn to find comfort and hope in the mental health stories others have shared.
By: Annemarie Cutruzzola
