How and Where to Get Support? (video)

When it comes to supports for mental health, there are many different types, including social participation, employment supports, community services, self-help resources and formal mental health supports. In this section of the module, we focus on formal mental health supports. 

There are different types of formal supports available to assist with mental health and these supports can be found within different systems of care. Everyone will have a different preference for the kind of support that they find helpful. Not everyone will want to seek formal support for their mental health. 

People may not seek support for many reasons. They may not recognize what the signs of distress are, or they may not know how or where to seek support. Some people may not feel safe seeking support because of poor experiences in the past or fears of being viewed negatively by others. 

Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize the presence of mental health problems and know when or how to seek support. When this is the case, parents and caregivers can serve an essential role in assisting their loved one with searching, advocating and obtaining appropriate mental health supports.

As outlined in the video, mental health services for individuals with NDD are underdeveloped and often fragmented. This can make searching for mental health supports rather difficult.