Posted by Kim on June 22, 2018, 12:20pm
Although the RP Repository's focus is providing tools for RPers, facillitating finding RP partners, and offering forums and chats for RP, our membership knows that one of the ways in which we really shine is that we have an incredible community.And sometimes, part of being a community is recognizing that individuals within it may go through hard times, and need additional support from their friends and digital neighbors. The larger the site grows, the more often the mod team is approached by concerned people wanting to know if there are ways that they can help friends struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or other hardships. It can be particularly hard to help someone you care about when, due to the nature of online friendships, you might not even know where in the world they are!
Though there's no substitute for medical or mental health care professionals when it comes to handling serious issues, there are some things that we can do for ourselves or for our friends who are struggling. Plus, even if there isn't a major "mental health" need, everyone could use some occasional calming down or cheering up!
Because we care about all the people in our incredible community above and beyond just RP, we want to provide you with resources to lead happier lives and support friends more effectively "IRL". We've made a start on two articles with the best strategies and resources we have found over the years: Mental health resources and Helping friends with mental health.
Some of the resource links included in the new list of mental health resources came from the unofficial RPR "Here For You" group, while others have been compiled over the years by site moderators looking for ways to meet the needs of our growing community. Now, we'd like to open the question up to the larger community, and ask that you share your best resource links with us so we can grow our resource list to address a wide range of needs in a wide range of countries.Thank you for being such an incredible, caring community, and for the support you show each other each and every day. We sincerely hope that these resources are helpful and can make even a small difference for the better. We expect them to change and expand rapidly in the coming weeks based on your input!
For those of you in our community who are struggling with mental health issues: We see you and we care about you. We respect and believe you.
Disclaimer: The RP Repository is not a substitute for a trained therapist or doctor in the case of serious mental health issues. If you're experiencing an emergency, call your country's emergency number (ex. 911)
Comments
Berlynne
June 22, 2018
5:31pm
In the US, at least as far as I know that's the only place this organization exists, there's the mental health non-profit called NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a countrywide service that has local sectors in more places than it doesn't. It teaches classes to patients, parents of patients so that they also have resources, all classes are run by success-story mental health sufferers so it's empathetic rather than "I just do this because I care, but I can't imagine what you're going through." The latter mindset is incredibly disconcerting, especially with crisis hotlines.
I don't imagine it would be much help to post links to very local things, but I have learned that the area I live in (and hopefully other areas as well) have walk-in mental health clinics. Better yet, the ones I have found do not charge individuals without insurance, though they will bill insurance if their service is covered by it.
The area I'm in also has local crisis lines, and the people behind those crisis lines are also the resource for finding help on a low income. They are still required to confirm that you are safe regardless of your reason for calling, but calling when not in crisis just to access those resources is completely okay and accepted.
My original way in to the system was by contacting my state's NAMI branch (main site: https://www.nami.org). They weren't able to help me directly, but gave me direction and numbers to reach out to for more local assistance. Mind you, as much as I procrastinated and fuddled about being nervous about actually seeking help, plus some processing time on the other end (but mostly my procrastination), it took about a year before I got in to see a therapist.
One more bit of info I think might help. Growing up, though I kinda recognized the value of mental health services, I was never really able to communicate with them. It took a very conscious effort and a lot of assuring myself it would help before I was able to actually tell anything to a professional. Once I got past that first hurdle, it became easier. The second hurdle was finding the right therapist. I've had 4.5 in two years. (Yes, there was one whose position I didn't quite understand, so .5) None of them have been bad, although one did a couple things that I didn't really like (nothing actually bad, just a preference thing). The first three I could only describe as "nice." The one I currently have is a bit sillier, and that helps me to feel more at ease around her. Similarly, a friend of mine had sought mental health services, but stopped because he was not feeling challenged like he believed he needed to be. The take-away: be choosy. Find someone whose style will work well for you.
The area I'm in also has local crisis lines, and the people behind those crisis lines are also the resource for finding help on a low income. They are still required to confirm that you are safe regardless of your reason for calling, but calling when not in crisis just to access those resources is completely okay and accepted.
My original way in to the system was by contacting my state's NAMI branch (main site: https://www.nami.org). They weren't able to help me directly, but gave me direction and numbers to reach out to for more local assistance. Mind you, as much as I procrastinated and fuddled about being nervous about actually seeking help, plus some processing time on the other end (but mostly my procrastination), it took about a year before I got in to see a therapist.
One more bit of info I think might help. Growing up, though I kinda recognized the value of mental health services, I was never really able to communicate with them. It took a very conscious effort and a lot of assuring myself it would help before I was able to actually tell anything to a professional. Once I got past that first hurdle, it became easier. The second hurdle was finding the right therapist. I've had 4.5 in two years. (Yes, there was one whose position I didn't quite understand, so .5) None of them have been bad, although one did a couple things that I didn't really like (nothing actually bad, just a preference thing). The first three I could only describe as "nice." The one I currently have is a bit sillier, and that helps me to feel more at ease around her. Similarly, a friend of mine had sought mental health services, but stopped because he was not feeling challenged like he believed he needed to be. The take-away: be choosy. Find someone whose style will work well for you.
@Tate Here in Canada when we dial 911 the dispatcher asks "Do you need police, fire or ambulance?" In this case, say ambulance and let the dispatcher know what is going on. The paramedics can take your friend to the psychiatric centre in the hospital and be put under suicide watch. This gets rid of the option of guns in the face, as I know this has happened before with devastating consequences. It's knowing who to ask for when calling 911. â¤
As for this news bulletin and the two articles- this is fantastic. Especially since it is listed now well in advance and time for the upcoming busy holiday season when the stresses of them can push some of us to our limits or remind of us of those we have lost.
This truly shows the heart of our community and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it.
As for this news bulletin and the two articles- this is fantastic. Especially since it is listed now well in advance and time for the upcoming busy holiday season when the stresses of them can push some of us to our limits or remind of us of those we have lost.
This truly shows the heart of our community and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it.
I am part of the Here for You group, and I can say that they are helpful and dependable if you need to talk to someone. 
I know that RPR posts the bottom bit as a disclaimer... but personal advice. If your friend is having an emergency mental health related, and you live in the states... do not call 911 on them, as police will be involved and your friend may not survive the experience, as our police force by and large is not trained to handle mental health crisis. I've had friends end up with guns in their faces for having seizures or for being suicidal. Do your best to find a non-911 route - many mental health services will come get your friend, if that's what's needed. Know supportive family or their therapist? Reach out. Can you get there personally, or can a friend, to take them to help? All of this is better than getting the cops involved. Again...in my experience.
I can't be legally liable for what you choose to do. Just take my word of caution when or if you have to act.
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That all aside, thank you RPR for posting this up - it's been a long time coming and I'm glad to see official posts being made on it.
I can't be legally liable for what you choose to do. Just take my word of caution when or if you have to act.
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That all aside, thank you RPR for posting this up - it's been a long time coming and I'm glad to see official posts being made on it.
Tate
June 22, 2018
11:17pm