With March coming to a close and the beginning, for many, of an indeterminate amount of time in isolation, there's an energy in the air that's almost palpable as we are beginning to adjust to our new, temporary way of life. There’s a massive shift in gear and with that, it’s very easy to get caught up. Being in isolation for many of us is new, uncharted territory. How do we adjust? 

Taking a deep breath and assessing how you are should take a higher precedence than it does. It’s a known fact that 1 in 5 Aussie’s is living with a mental health issue and many of these people are without adequate access to services and help. This statistic is staggering especially considering the plethora of platforms readily available to offer a helping hand should you need it. This is in no small part due to the lack of awareness. Mental health is still somewhat taboo, and openly talking about your feelings is not something that is encouraged in our day-to-day environments. MISTR thinks this is BS. We have complied a list of our top picks for places anyone can go to seek some help or to talk.

The hilarious world of depression: The title says it all. A very tongue-in-cheek, no-holds-barred and open discussion about mental health. This podcast brings to light that which may seem hidden and normalises depression by bringing in actors and comedians to talk through their own journeys with mental health. Give it a listen here

Recovery Unscripted: Hosted by musician David Condos, recovery unscripted shares real stories from the front lines of mental health and addiction recovery. Featuring a mix of professionals in the field of medicine and “grass-root champions” of recovery, Recovery unscripted encourages active discussion as an audience member and offers a fresh take on mental health recovery from an array of vantage points. Check it out here.

All In The Mind: All In The Mind is ABC RN’s weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence. Check it out here.

Headspace: One of the best resources for mental health, right from your pocket. Featuring hundreds of sessions on everything from guided meditations and exercises to help increase focus and mitigate anxiety. Check it out here.

Calm: This is, If I may, the best app for sleep and relaxation. Featuring nonsensical stories read aloud by the likes of Nick Offerman with his honey-drop smoothness riding shot-gun, firing up the Calm app as a sleep companion will ensure a fast downward journey to sleep land. Calm also features a slew of guided meditations for any proficiency level to help you refocus and recenter.

What’s Up: Whats’up fuses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Acceptance Commitment Therapy to help you cope with depression, anxiety and stress among others. The app features a negative and positive habit tracker to help you maintain good habits and break those that are not serving you. Check it out here.

Joyable: Another app that utilises CBT, though this one has a bigger focus on setting goals and provides you with resources to see them through. Check it out here.

Unwinding anxiety: As the name suggests, this app allows users to control their anxiety with a range of activities designed to stimulate mental dexterity and resilience. The app also features a virtual diary to help you analyse and manage your progress. Check it out here.

To get immediate help with anxiety and depression, please head to beyondblue.com.au

Above photo courtesy of photographerMitchell Griest