Self-Help

MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION  The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers information on common mental health concerns with their signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Administration (SAMSA) offers alcohol and drug abuse information and resources for individuals. Other links that may be helpful include:  Adult Children of Alcoholics,  Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), Al-anon,  BACCHUS & GAMMA Peer Education Network, Gamblers Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), VASAP, Web of Addictions, and Women For Sobriety.

SEXUAL ASSAULT  The National Women’s Health Information Center offers links to several relevant national organizations, and covers the following topics: What is sexual assault? Who are victims of sexual assault? How can I help prevent being sexually assaulted? Where else can I go for help? How do I help someone who was been sexually assaulted?

SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY Sexual Orientation is an online pamphlet from the University of Florida that gives a quick overview and answers frequently asked questions.  The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) offers a helpful guide in their Friends and Family Information.  You will find Answers to Your Questions About Gender Orientation, Transgender, Transexuality, and Intersexuality to be a good introduction to the subject from the Texas Woman's University.  Locally, the metropolitan Washington chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) can help keep families together and offer relationship support.   Those interested in political action will find The Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Task Force to be of interest.  There is a Black Lesbian Support Group  locally for those over 18.  Free HIV testing and other health services can be found locally at the Whitman Walker Clinic.  UDC’s own LGBT student group meets on campus monthly and may be contacted at lgbt.udc@gmail.com. 

RELAXATION EXERCISES  Feeling stressed?  Relaxation exercises are a simple and remarkably effective tool.  Try these follow-along audio exercises.