Social media may be an overstimulating mire of misspelled political screeds and snippets of some most egregious poetry, but it’s also an overstimulating mire of misspelled political screeds and snippets of some most egregious poetry that occasionally veers off into educational territory. No matter the degree plan, students today enjoy some fantastic networking and learning opportunities outside the classroom thanks to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media juggernauts. Psychology majors should especially exert the effort to stay current with the newest research, trends and, most importantly, patient insights. For the particularly harried ones out there, Twitter’s bite-sized postings make for an ideal way to soak up the latest everything quickly and efficiently. The following linked feeds should get them all started quite nicely.
News
- MentalIllnessPolicy
This Twitter feed allows visitors to browse the latest stories regarding policies and other legislation impacting the mental health community and profession.
- Psychology News
It should be fairly obvious what sort of content psychology majors can find here, right? RIGHT?! Thought so.
- Psych Brown Bag
Psychology students with a particular affinity for science should check out online magazine Psych Brown Bag’s tweets about its recent articles.
- Sane Magazine
Sane Magazine keeps readers informed mostly about anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression news, also discussing comorbid disorders on occasion.
- Psychology Today
One of the most popular sources for current psychology and psychiatry articles absolutely deserves a spot on every major’s follow list.
- Colleg Mental Health
Johns Hopkins’ Inquiring Minds focuses on mental health resources and stories commonly affecting college students.
- This Emotional Life
Check out this nonprofit, headed up by PBS, which concerns itself with relaying news stories of interest to patients, their loved ones and anyone else seeking mental clarity.
- MentalHealthy.co.uk
From the United Kingdom comes a fantastic online magazine covering all things psychological for general audiences.
- Art Therapy
Psychology majors fascinated by the healing power of art and other self-expressive forms can follow the most recent trends and topics here.
- David Webb
Blogger, tutor and web host David Webb tweets a wide variety of different psychology news stories daily.
- PsychCentral
Associate Editor Brandi-Ann Uyemura offers up news and research with the hope of providing support to the mentally ill and their loved ones.
- Wiley Psychology
Run by Wiley-Blackwell publishing, this microblog is an absolute must for psychology students seeking new research and literature.
- Active Minds, Inc.
Another Twitter targeting college students seeking the mental health news and views that affect them most.
- AboutPsychology
About.com’s psychology portal specifically targets students and professionals, though general audiences can still appreciate all the content featured there.
- Take5toSaveLives
Even though the World Suicide Prevention Day Twitter feed doesn’t update very much, psychology students will still find its postings very educational all the same.
Organizations
- Hope4MentalHealth
Every bottle of water purchased from this Austin-based company puts money towards treating children with various mental health afflictions.
- Mental Health NIMH
The National Institute of Mental Health devotes its resources to researching psychological disorders and providing the latest pertinent information.
- Nat’l Ctr. for PTSD
Although hosted by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the National Center for PTSD does offer up research and support for trauma victims of all types.
- BringChange2Mind.org
Bring Change 2 Mind’s mission revolves around de-stigmatizing mental illness and encouraging psychological assistance so patients can experience the healthiest lives possible.
- Am.Psych.Foundation
Follow the American Psychiatric Foundation’s official feed and stay up to date with their efforts to encourage a greater understanding of mental health as well as treatment options.
- APAHealthyMinds
Presented by the American Psychiatric Association, this Twitter maintains a steady stream of articles regarding anything and everything related to the mental health community.
- APS
When looking for organizations concerned with advancing the science behind psychology, hit up this one’s microblog for consistently updated articles regarding their work.
- Eating Disorder Hope
Eating disorder patients and their loved ones turn here for recovery advice as well as encouragement during tough treatment times.
- CAMH Foundation
Check out this Toronto-based Twitter for postings about addiction, mental health and the fight to end the marginalization of psychologically disordered individuals.
- IASP
Psychology students interested in suicide education, de-stigmatization and prevention efforts should research the amazing things the International Association of Suicide Prevention is doing these days.
- NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness covers a very broad range of psychological news stories, including research and the anti-stigma movement.
- MentalHealthAmerica
Officially diagnosed or not, Mental Health America wants to make sure everyone lives the psychologically healthiest life possible.
- Lifeline
Every psychology major and future professional needs to know the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — and promote its use!!
- The Trevor Project
LGBTQIA youth, as the frequent targets of bullying and other marginalizing actions (not to mention legislation), suffer a very high risk of suicide. The Trevor Project reaches out and offers them hope in a world often callous to their sexual and/or gender identity.
- Real Warriors
Real Warriors caters to military personnel suffering from traumatic brain injury, PTSD, depression and other mental and brain health disorders resulting directly from their service.
Patients
- Joe Pantoliano
Actor, mental health de-stigmatization activist and No Kidding, Me Too founder Joe Pantoliano pulls chips away at the mystique surrounding depression, ADD/ADHD and other mental health conditions.
- WeAreTheRealDeal
This online community, blog, website and — of course — Twitter brings together eating disorder sufferers for encouragement and support as they work through treatment.
- John Cadigan
Schizophrenia remains an exceptionally misunderstood condition, but following this artist’s insightful Twitters sheds a right fair amount of light on the reality.
- Pandora
A borderline personality disorder survivor diagnosed with manic depression and psychosis courageously shares an intimate glimpse into how such a mind works.
- INTERVOICE
Intervoice offers solace to patients with psychological disorders manifesting themselves as auditory hallucinations, so be sure to follow both the Twitter and website for the broadest possible support.
- David Bates
Follow David Bates for a brutally honest look into bipolar disorder, regardless of whether or not he currently takes his medication.
- BenBehindHisVoices
Family support goes a long way when individuals suffering from psychological disorders, and this book relays the heartwarming, heartwrenching tale of a schizophrenic son.
- Fight Depression
Jamie Leggatt’s award-winning blog now comes in Twitter form. Follow it and watch as she emerges from the depression closet after over two decades and speaks up about the living hell, but she does frequently take an inspiring, hopeful tone.
- Sarah Olson
In sharing her personal experiences via Twitter, her blog Third of a Lifetime and book Becoming One, this author furthers popular understanding of the often misunderstood multiple personality disorder.
- unsuicide
The unsuicide community is comprised largely of peers exchanging resources meant to quell suicidal thoughts and dispense comfort to survivors.
Professionals
- Clinton Power
Social media-savvy psychology professionals (and students) turn here for marketing advice sprinkled in with relationship counseling musings.
- Links for Shrinks
Use this Twitter feed and network with others in the psychology industry, perfect for students edging close to graduation!
- Jeremy Dean
A popular psychology researcher shares his most recent articles, covering a wide number of relevant topics in an accessible, educational manner.
- Marsha Lucas, PhD
For the more spiritually (or CBT) minded, neuropsychologist Marsha Lucas covers meditation and other strategies for shaping a healthy brain.
- Walter van den Broek
From the Dr. Shock block comes the recognized psychiatrist Walter van den Broek, who tweets a wide range of relevant articles.
- APAPsychiatric
This APA Twitter serves psychiatry professionals and helps them exchange ideas and research to better treat their patients.
- GoodTherapy.org
Patients and professionals alike use GoodTherapy.org to find mental health practitioners and promote ethical psychological standards.
- Dr. David Ballard
As the head of the American Psychological Association’s Corporate Relations and Business Strategy, Dr. David Ballard tweets and retweets some of the ubiquitous microblog’s most essential mental health content.
- Jordana Mansbacher
She shows up on E! and The Hills, but don’t hold it against her. Check out her postings on relationship issues and eating disorders: her specialties.
- The Menninger Clinic
Explore what one leading psychological hospital (devoted mainly to anxiety, depression and addictions) is doing to better the lives of patients.
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