A reader just asked:
Do you know of any online academic (maybe only for philosophers, maybe not) mental health support groups for those of us that either don't have family in the area or are otherwise low in social contact? If there isn't a group like this, I'd be interested in starting one, provided some interest.
Anyone have any tips or thoughts on this? If you feel like remaining anonymous, feel free to email me details at [email protected]. I can either pass the details along here or encourage people (such as the above reader) to contact me privately to relay the details. Thanks!
It's not a dedicated mental health support community (more of an academic support community), but it's an online community of academics, some of whom sometimes seek out and receive mental health support there: thefora.org
There aren't many philosophers there, so they could use an influx.
Posted by: Michel | 03/19/2020 at 06:36 PM
Thanks Michel, I'll check it out. It might be a good back-up for venting, though I was thinking more along the lines of an intimate, Zoom-like situation. Fortunately, I've reinforced my at a distance social networks a bit since the original post. But it would still be great (personally) to be able to talk specifically about mental health concerns without alarming people who may not be well equipped to understand.
Posted by: original anonyrat | 03/20/2020 at 09:01 PM
I don't know of a mental health support community for academics but I have been glad to be part of a couple of online communities for academic writers. I am part of Prolific (with Katie Linder) and AcademicLadder.
Posted by: Bea | 03/20/2020 at 10:03 PM
Bea: which group (Prolific or Academic Ladder) do you find most helpful?
Thanks for mentioning this!
Posted by: Wishin' and Hopin' | 03/22/2020 at 10:52 AM
I'd also like to know the answer to Wishin' and Hopin'. I've been part of a writing group for a couple of years, but it would be good to add another to the rotation.
Posted by: original anonyrat | 03/23/2020 at 12:08 PM