ForLikeMinds Launches First Online Peer-based Support Community Dedicated to Mental Illness
NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ForLikeMinds (www.forlikeminds.com) has launched the first online peer-based support community dedicated to mental illness, to coincide with Mental Illness Awareness Week. ForLikeMinds empowers members to connect and communicate one-on-one and in groups to support, inform, and inspire each other's recovery from mental illness. Recovery is not a cure, but living a full and meaningful life with mental illness.
ForLikeMinds was inspired by the recovery journey of its founder Katherine Ponte, who was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder over 15 years ago. It also reflects the experiences of her spouse and main support giver. ForLikeMinds is the only dedicated mental health platform tailored to the needs of both people living with a condition and their supporters. This release includes the founder's personal video statement.
Mental health statistics are sobering. One in five adults have a condition, and less than half of them receive treatment. People with serious mental illness experience 80% unemployment and live 25 fewer years on average. Katherine Ponte commented, "Instead of seeing the impossibilities of mental illness in these figures, we see the vast unmet needs and great potential for people with mental illness."
ForLikeMinds uses peer-based support to help people affected by mental illness overcome stigma and pursue recovery. Peer-based support is an evidence-based approach to recovery. The example of others with similar backgrounds seeking and achieving recovery spreads hope and insight. As Katherine Ponte often says, "The road to recovery starts with hope and is nourished by the support of like minds sharing their lived experience."
ForLikeMinds allows members to connect easily and anonymously based on shared mental health, substance use, and stressful life experiences. Cultural and societal differences also significantly influence how people experience mental illness. Some communities experience higher rates of mental illness, higher rates of stigma, and unique challenges accessing treatment. ForLikeMinds allows members to connect also based on personal and cultural background including age, location, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity and race, language, religion, education, profession, student status, and military status. For example, 75% of all mental health conditions develop by age 24, so students are particularly vulnerable. ForLikeMinds is the only mental health community where students can connect based on college.
ForLikeMinds offers this service for free to users who sign-up at its website. Additional information can be found in its inaugural newsletter.
Contact:
Katherine Ponte
[email protected]
SOURCE ForLikeMinds
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