Free Resource Guide

If you’re navigating addiction, alcohol dependency, anxiety, panic disorders, codependency, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or acute stress, you deserve immediate, qualified support. While The Zen Thing provides educational resources and coping tools, seeking out professional help is encouraged.

Free Support & External Resources

Helpful external resources include:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, SAMHSA’s National Helpline, Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and local crisis services in your area.

Addiction and Alcohol

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Offers free in-person and online meetings where individuals can share experiences and support each other in recovery. Includes daily reflections, literature like pamphlets, and local contact options for help. No dues or fees required.

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Provides free meetings for drug addiction recovery, daily meditations ("Just for Today"), literature in multiple languages, and resources for family support. Search for local meetings online.

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Free 24/7 confidential service for substance use and mental health issues, offering referrals to treatment facilities, support groups, and community resources. Call 1-800-662-HELP or text your zip code to 435748.

Anxiety and Panic Disorders

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Free articles on anxiety types (e.g., generalized, panic, social), FAQs, personal stories, and a patient guide. Includes online peer-to-peer support communities and webinars like Q&As on social fear. For crises, recommends 988.

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on Anxiety Disorders: Free digital brochures, fact sheets on symptoms, treatments, and risk factors. Includes research updates, clinical trial info, and links to find providers via SAMHSA. For immediate help, call/text 988.

Codependency

• Codependents Anonymous (CoDA): Free online, telephone, and in-person meetings, including specialized ones like CoDAthon marathons and CoDAteen for youth. Offers downloadable pamphlets, recovery program materials (Twelve Steps), videos, and newcomer guides.

• Mental Health America on Co-Dependency: Free information on recognizing codependency as "relationship addiction," with resources for understanding one-sided or destructive relationships.

Coping

• APA Stress Management Resources: Free tips for healthy coping, building resilience, and handling stressors like trauma or job insecurity. Includes podcasts and articles on psychological safety and nature's benefits.

• NIMH Help Resources: Free guidance on finding help, treatments, and coping with mental health challenges, including brochures on disorders and support options.

• Mayo Clinic Coping Techniques: Free articles on positive thinking, meditation, and resilience-building to cope with stress and mental health issues.

Mental Illness

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Free HelpLine (800-950-6264 or text "NAMI" to 62640) for support and info. Offers support groups (e.g., NAMI Connection), education programs (e.g., Family-to-Family), publications, webinars, and resources for specific groups like veterans or caregivers. Crisis: 988.

• Mental Health America: General resources including screening tools, info on conditions, and support for co-dependency and other issues.

Stress

• American Psychological Association (APA) on Stress: Free articles on coping techniques, effects on health, workplace stress, and tips for children/teens. Includes podcasts, webinars (e.g., "Less Stress, Better Health"), and survey findings like Stress in America.

• Mayo Clinic on Stress Management: Free info on stress basics, management techniques (e.g., relaxation, meditation, positive thinking), and in-depth articles on resilience and condition-specific stress. Links to additional resources from APA, NAMI, and others.

Suicidal Thoughts

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free 24/7 confidential support via call, text, or chat for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or substance use. Available in English and Spanish.

• Crisis Text Line: Free 24/7 text-based support for crises, including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and stress. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.

• Youth Line:

  YouthLine is a peer-to-peer help, support, and crisis line serving youth ages 10-24 across the United States since 2000. Call 1-877-968-8491