Knowledge is Power
The Awareness Project connects reliable information, real stories, and simple tools to support people navigating anxiety, depression, and everyday stress. Learning more is a powerful first step toward change.
Keep these numbers and links somewhere you can access quickly. Reaching out is a strong and professional step toward taking care of yourself.
Call or text: 988
Chat: 988lifeline.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – a U.S. government site with information on mental disorders, treatments, statistics, and ways to find help.
For international hotlines, search by country through organizations like Befrienders Worldwide or local health services.
Knowledge is power: understanding symptoms and signs makes it easier to notice when you or someone you care about might need support.
Anxiety disorders involve intense, persistent worry or fear that can feel overwhelming and difficult to control. They can affect sleep, concentration, relationships, and performance at school or work.
Common experiences include racing thoughts, physical tension, a “knot” in the stomach, difficulty relaxing, or panic attacks. Anxiety is treatable through therapy, lifestyle changes, and, for some people, medication.
Your brain is sending a signal for care, not failure.Depression is more than sadness. It can bring a persistent low mood, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of guilt, emptiness, or hopelessness.
Depression can make everyday tasks feel exhausting, but effective treatments exist. Talking with a counselor, connecting with supportive people, and, in some cases, medication can all be part of recovery.
Asking for help is a professional strength, not a weakness.These tools show how an online counseling request and peer support space might look. They run locally in your browser for demonstration.
Imagine this form sends a message to a counselor or clinic. For this project, it simply shows a confirmation message on your screen.
This is a sample peer-support chat. Messages stay only in your browser and disappear if you refresh the page. Real online communities should be moderated and follow clear safety guidelines.
These brief posts are inspired by articles from trusted news and health organizations. Follow the links to explore the full original pieces.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers fact sheets, statistics, and guides on many mental health conditions, treatments, and research topics. Its mission is to share clear, science-based information so people can better understand symptoms and options for care.
Read more: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health
A New York Times feature about musician Sara Bareilles explores how joy and anxiety can coexist in a creative life. The story looks at how she navigates self-doubt, pressure, and performance anxiety while still making room for gratitude, relationships, and music.
Read more: NYT – Joy & Anxiety (Sara Bareilles)
Another New York Times article discusses how conditions like depression and anxiety can increase the risk of physical problems such as heart disease, sleep issues, and chronic pain. The piece emphasizes that mental and physical health care should be connected, not treated as separate worlds.
Read more: NYT – Depression, Anxiety & Physical Health
BBC News has covered research comparing how different antidepressants may affect weight, heart rate, and other parts of physical health. The findings show that side effects can vary widely among medications, highlighting how important it is to work with a prescriber to find a treatment that feels manageable.
Read more: BBC – Antidepressant side-effect study
A BBC story describes a father who organizes community walks in memory of his son, a rugby player who died by suicide. The walks raise awareness of mental health, create space for honest conversations, and honor the person who was lost.
Read more: BBC – Mental health walks in son’s memory
Real stories remind us that recovery is possible and that speaking up can change a life—even when things feel overwhelming.
In this video from the U.S. Navy, Senior Chief Yeoman Armaris Narvaez shares a personal story about feeling “adrift” and finding support. Her testimony highlights the importance of checking on your shipmates, friends, and family, and shows that asking for help is a courageous act.
On the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website, a suicide-loss survivor shares how losing her son led her to become an advocate for prevention and support. She describes grief, advocacy, and the importance of listening to people in pain, helping others feel seen and less alone.
Read the full story: 988 Lifeline – Moving America’s Soul on Suicide
Think about someone in your life who has shown you kindness during a difficult time. What did they do that helped? If you feel like it, write a short note to thank them—or pay that kindness forward to someone else.