It's Mental Health Week. Here are some stories, tools and tips to help clear your mind
Small opportunities to take a deep breath, check in with yourself or maybe just feel a little less alone
This article was originally published May 1, 2017. It was edited and updated May 5, 2020.
Mental health is a challenging thing to talk about. And aside from being a deeply personal topic, conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, anorexia — to name a very select few — have long been met with stigma, filling those suffering with the shame of not being able to easily "snap out of it" or simply "feel better". Even if your experiences don't fit into a diagnosable category, you've probably experienced a slump that at times can feel unbeatable.
While there's still a long way to go, we've seen a lot of progress in the last few years in terms of bringing conversations about mental health out of the shadows and into the forefront. Events like #BellLetsTalk day and Mental Health Week have pushed us to become more educated (and more comfortable!) when confronting and speaking about these issues.
To kick off this year's Mental Health Week, which runs from May 4-10, we've collected some of our articles and videos targeted at mood-boosting, keeping calm, combating stress and helping you find support.
Advice and personal stories
How to access free mental health and emotional support during the COVID-19 crisis
How to cope with health anxiety related to the coronavirus pandemic
Virtual therapy: How to find the online mental health care provider that's right for you
How to manage everyday anxiety in public spaces
A psychiatrist tackles 7 dangerous myths about depression
Advice from a Buddhist monk on how to start a successful meditation practice
Burnout is real and here's how to handle it, according to experts
How to get the most out of your therapy sessions
Subtle sadness: Why dysthymia can be often overlooked and really shouldn't be
A way out of loneliness: Steps toward well-being when you're feeling alone
7 tips to help beat the Sunday blues
Strong evidence that depressed dads should speak up and seek help
Why Prince Harry speaking up about his grief therapy is hugely important for men and mental health
Tools and techniques
Simple techniques for relief from fear and anxiety
A 5-minute yoga flow you can do while your morning coffee brews
Post-work decompression techniques for busy people
Meditation techniques for deep rest and stress reduction
Serenity now! These apps and sites will instantly boost your mood
How to reset your nervous system with the breath
Game on: Study shows VR and video games can help fight depression
15 minute beginner's yoga session
Everyday stress relievers
ASMR for while you work: Light on talk, heavy on triggers from ALB in Whisperland
Make stress-busting sparkly slime with ALB in Wonderland
How natural landscapes can enrich your health and happiness
Nourishing aromatic scents for soothing sleep and relaxation
