Note: If you need mental health support right now, call 988 or reach the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.
For those struggling with mental health, finding community can be cathartic.
But many people find bonding in-person anxiety-inducing. Thankfully, you can find health communities online and not have to worry about meeting new people face-to-face.
There are plenty of mental health communities out there, but Reddit has some great ones.
One promising subreddit is MentalHealthSupport on Reddit.
The threads in this subreddit offer support and perspective on mental illness and help connect others. For many people, finding people who relate to their experiences is validating, and this subreddit will show you that you aren’t alone.
Another encouraging subreddit is MentalHealthIsland.
Like MentalHealthSupport, this cohort offers advice from people who experience mental illness, but it also encourages members to bond over their interests. Users can also share books, videos, and other media that have helped them with their mental illnesses.
If you’re looking for a different type of Reddit mental health community, just search “mental health” on Reddit to find other safe spaces that could help you. The website contains a mix of scientific findings and peer support for mental illnesses.
While these communities can help create connections, be aware that some community members discuss potentially triggering topics in these groups. Before you search for these health communities on Reddit, know what your triggers are and have coping strategies ready. Be sure to read any trigger warnings in the groups you visit. If you want to look for an online community but worry about potential triggers, consider asking a friend to pre-screen content for you.
Finding community is an essential part of mental health care, and many of us find joy in knowing that we aren’t alone. If you don’t find exactly what you need on Reddit, consider creating your own subreddit. No matter what your mental health looks like, Reddit has plenty of places where you can find connections, resources, and support.
Have you found a sense of community on Reddit or in another online forum? Did it help you? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash.
