Top 10 self-help websites from Advice and Counselling

19 October 2017

Resources and information on the internet can be very useful but can be patchy or unreliable, so to help you sort through the numerous sites, we’ve listed Advice and Counselling’s ‘Top 10’ below.

Don’t forget that talking to someone in person, though it can feel difficult, usually helps. If you’ve tried these sites but still feel you’re struggling with something have a look on QMUL’s Advice and Counselling website to find out about coming to see a counsellor. 

1. Start2 – Harness your natural creativity and improve your wellbeing with art and creative activities (artistic ability not required). This is a well-designed site offering hundreds of exercises (creative writing, photography, textiles, ‘connect to nature’) designed to help you ‘feel closer to other people’, ‘feel more relaxed’ or ‘deal with problems better’.
2. Mental Health Foundation podcasts – Podcasts, ranging from quick fix breathing exercises to clear your mind and reduce anxiety when you’re out and about, to a podcast to listen to in bed to help you relax and fall asleep.
   
   
3. Living Life to the Full – Online life skills course based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for people feeling distressed, low or anxious. It helps you understand why you feel as you do and to make changes in your thinking, activities, sleep and relationships.
   
   
4. Calmzone – Magazine style website for young men with articles to inspire, support and entertain. CALM (the Campaign against Living Miserably) teams up with DJs, artists, rappers and comedians to reach out to men on their own terms.
   
   
5. Centre for Clinical Interventions - Workbooks available to download on a wide range of problems including shyness, anxiety and perfectionism.
   
   
6. Students Against Depression – Reading other students’ stories can provide you with information, inspiration and hope. Students’ blog about their experiences of depression and what has worked for them.
   
   
7. The Mix – AKA ‘Your Guide to the Real World’. Honest, factual information for young people on drugs, sex, relationships, student life and more.
   
   
8. Moodzone – Excellent NHS site for coping with stress, anxiety or depression. Take the Mood Self-assessment Quiz, download a mood boosting podcast and get inspired by some real stories.
   
   
9. Mind – Comprehensive site giving information and self-help on a range of mental health problems.
   
   
10. Unstuck – This is a website with a free app you can download. If you’re feeling stuck in life or you’ve run out of ideas to help you deal with a recurrent problem then there is loads of useful information on this website.