A “dual” post today, because it’s kind of dealing with a similar issue, mental health.
There’s tech involved in that one’s an app – an app for help in coping with mental health issues! Seriously, how awesome is that?
The other is about a series of podcasts which the Duchess of Cambridge is involved in regarding child mental health. Also seriously awesome.
I love that this kind of technology is becoming available to more and more people. The days when someone needed help and was afraid to reach out and ask for it are becoming more and more part of our distant past. Everyone wants to be well, right? Maybe tools like this will help more people find the resources and help they need.
ReachOut Is a Social Support Network for People With Mental and Chronic Illnesses
iOS/Android: If you have a health condition that you can’t really talk to friends and family about, ReachOut is an app that provides a social support network to help you cope. It aims to turn those well-meaning but hollow “Are you okay?” questions into “I’m here for you. I understand.”
The app is free, easy to set up, and has a clean interface. When you create your account, you choose the challenges you face, which could be related to dealing with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, substance abuse, or a recent death. On the main feed, you can scroll through stories and conversations of other users that are going through similar struggles, or reaching out to offer you support. If a particular conversation or person resonates with you, you have the option to “star,” or save, the thread or person.
All in all, it’s just a support network, but if your challenges wind up making you feel alone, a support network is exactly what you need.
ReachOut (Free) | iTunes App Store
ReachOut (Free) | Google Play
*****
Princess Kate just shared a powerful message about her children
… the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton, just shared an important message about her children — and all children, really. She said she and Prince William “wouldn’t hesitate” if their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, needed help with their mental health.
She hopes other parents will feel the same way, too.
“With the right help, children have a good chance of overcoming their issues while they are still young, and can have the bright future they deserve,” the Duchess said.
The Duchess is speaking out now because she’s launching a series of podcasts with the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families to help parents understand and manage mental health. Each 20-minute episode of the series, called “Child in Mind,” will cover a topic and feature an expert, as well as a parent or young person.
“One in three adults still say they would be embarrassed to seek help for their child’s mental health,” Kate said. “No parent would fail to call the doctor if their child developed a fever, yet some children are tackling tough times without the support that can help them because the adults in their life are scared to ask. It doesn’t need to be like this.”
“Throughout my work with family and child support organizations, one thing that has stood out to me time and again is that getting early support for a child who is struggling to cope is the best possible thing we can do to help our children as they grow up,” Kate said. “Knowing this, both William and I feel very strongly that we wouldn’t hesitate to get expert support for George and Charlotte if they need it.”
Of course, ICYMI, The Royal Family is no stranger to advocating for mental health among young people. Earlier this year, Princess Kate, Prince William, and Prince Harry formed Heads Together, a charitable organization to support mental health and help eliminate the stigma associated with it.
Big ups to Kate for the new podcasts now, and we hope everyone tunes into “Child in Mind.” The first episode focuses on childhood anxiety, and you can find the episodes on the Anna Freud National Centre’s iTunes channel as well as SoundCloud.
“Please do listen, and share them with your friends and family and let’s change the way we all talk to each other about our mental health,” said the Duchess.
Princess Kate just shared a powerful message about her children
via WordPress
Tech Stuff, Child In Mind, Heads Together, Mental Health, ReachOut, Tech
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