Testimonials: How Helpguide Has Helped

One of the reasons I am able to live my life today

“Your website has been one of the reasons I am able to live my life today. After being depressed and suicidal over my relationship problems, I searched the internet for articles like the ones on your website. Thank you so much. Your website has helped me tremendously.”

~ Reader from Arizona

Helped me get past a difficult moment

"I have been crying and your website helped me . . . get past a difficult moment. The fact that you have put this site together is a wonderful testimony of the good that exists in the world—my sincerest appreciations."

~ Reader from France

A wonderful, easy to use resource

“I work at [a state] hospital and I am always trying to develop simple easy to understand information for various topics on mental and emotional health for our residents and our staff. I use your site a lot to assist in this task. I want to thank you and let you know you are bringing a wonderful, easy to use resource to many people.”

~ Reader from California

Some of the clearest, most comprehensive and concise information I have seen

“A friend found this site and suggested it to me. Several family members have problems addressed by your site. I must congratulate you on some of the clearest, most comprehensive and concise information I have seen. At first I thought a site so well designed was going to be run by a drug firm peddling medicine. Not at all. This is just to let you know that all your hard work really does make a difference.”

~ Reader from Tennessee

People need practical, upfront information to help themselves

“I am a psychologist who is most heartened to see this site. Many people need practical, upfront information to help themselves.  For most it is not necessary to go for months of therapy to define the problem. My colleagues may do a disservice to drag out the time to get concrete information to people in need. I have been in practice [for many years] and am well aware of the large pool of healthy, but unhappy people who could get better with more direction. This is a very good site.”

~ Reader from Connecticut

I love the self-help approach

“Helpguide is a wonderful site. I love the self-help approach and the kindness that comes across. All of the articles I have read are more than helpful.”

~ Reader from Florida

Abuse, Addictions, ADHD & Anxiety

Alternate strategies . . . to help release the tension/anger/sorrow

“[Cutting and Self Harm article] is perfect for people who indulge in self-damaging behavior. I think the outline of this page is really great and it's easy to understand and relate to. The part I liked the most was the alternate strategies and things to do to help release the tension/anger/sorrow--like paint with red paint, or draw, or write poems, or use red marker on our skin...”

~ Reader from New York

Adult ADD/ADHD

Bringing together all this current information about ADD

“Thank you for bringing together all this current information about ADD. I have been trying to research it for months, with frustrating results. I guess pulling together info from diverse sources can be pretty challenging for someone with ADD.”

~ Reader from New York

It really does make a difference

“I have had [ADD/ADHD] since childhood and did not even know until I was married. I knew something was wrong with me, but figured it wasn't that bad. My husband always made an issue out of so many things I did or did not do, so I . . . had him read it over and he agreed that I exhibited all the symptoms. I appreciated your article because it pointed out that many with this disorder are called lazy or stupid. I remember being called lazy. That really hurt. This article is so good, that I am printing out and giving it to my husband . . . so that he can be reminded of the symptoms of this disorder and try not to get so frustrated with me. I do the tips in your article by trying to eat healthy and exercise. It really does make a difference.”

~ Reader from California

You have no idea how much you have helped me

I have been going crazy helping my husband and thinking he could "try harder" to pay attention, focus, stop losing things etc., etc. Now I see it is a disease and, like any disease, I can't blame him for his symptoms. But I also see that he can do things to help his inabilities. You have no idea how much you have helped me.”

~ Reader from Washington

Anxiety

I've used your advice and have noticed immediate improvement

“I just want to say thank you for the article [How to Stop Worrying]. It is very thorough, and is helping me address issues I've had for over 10 years . . . Your words have really given me confidence and shown that my chronic worrying is something I can manage! I've used your advice and have noticed immediate improvement. I've calmed down considerably, become happier and can now focus on what needs to be done.”

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

So straightforward, so positive, and precisely what I needed

“I struggle with anxiety . . . commingled with panic attacks, making me miserable and frightened and feeling like I’m slowly going bonkers. It is a lonely, scary feeling—wondering what is wrong with me and why I cannot function like “normal” people. . . . I stumbled onto Helpguide. As I was reading the article about GAD [generalized anxiety disorder], I started crying. In a perfectly nice, friendly, and calming way it discussed EXACTLY how I felt. I just sat there bawling my eyes out because it was just so straightforward, so positive, and so precisely what I needed.”

~ Reader from Canada

Helping me get past my anxiety and borderline depression

“I am struggling through failures in what originally seemed like every aspect of my life. My grades were ailing, my relationships with friends and loved ones were tense and falling apart, my career prospects were looking dim. In short, life had seemingly reached rock bottom. . . . Your site has helped me so much in providing clear and extremely effective exercises and instructions on how to get past my anxiety and borderline depression.”

~ Reader from Massachusetts

Every time I get anxious I come back to this site

My first panic attack was about six months ago, since then I've been going through a very difficult time in my life. I never felt more alone, because no one could relate to what I was going through. The worst symptom I experience is insomnia. Sometimes I spend nights with only two or three hours of sleep. But finding this site, understanding the reason behind all of my symptoms and knowing that I am not alone or going crazy helped me so much. I am now going through therapy to treat my anxiety, but every time I get anxious I come back to this site and it is really helpful.

~ Reader from Puerto Rico

Made me feel okay about the feelings I was having

“I suffered abuse in my childhood and have just begun to face the fear and anxiety through therapy. Reading the (anxiety) article made me feel okay about the feelings I was having, and whenever I get really anxious I can come to this site and know that what I'm experiencing is completely normal. This resource is invaluable.”

~ Reader from New York

Helped me find lots of guidance

“I found this website extremely helpful and reassuring. I am only in my teens, but worry and struggle with problems a lot, which leaves me with stress and high anxiety. I have always been very sensitive. To find a site like this has helped me find lots of guidance, thank you.”

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

Depression & Bipolar Disorder

I think this site has saved my life

“I have been having moderate depressive and anxiety episodes . . . and I have used the many wonderful, insightful, and well-researched articles on this site in order to get through this tough time and lessen the severity of the episodes as they occur. . . . Truly, I think this site has saved my life . . . and I cannot thank you all enough.”

~ Reader from Pennsylvania

Helpguide has been paramount in my fight against depression

“I suffered with major clinical depression, and unfortunately had limited support from friends and family, but this website really helped me understand the illness . . . It gave me coping tips, and has been paramount in my fight against it . . . and it has allowed me to help and understand some of my friends who suffer with mental health issues.”

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

Truly helped in more ways than I can say

I must say how much I have been helped by your site. As a lifelong sufferer of depression it has truly helped in more ways than I can say.

~ Reader from Australia

Light at the end of the tunnel

I am really struggling with life at the moment in all areas, and came across Helpguide.org by chance. It is so refreshing to find a website that has good sound advice without constant adverts and no ulterior agenda of trying to sell me something at the end! I started on your page about depression and am working my way through the other pages that are relevant to me . . .  I am in a very lonely place in my life at the moment, and your website really has offered me a light at the end of the tunnel!

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

I don't have to just live with it

[Helpguide] helped me realize that I can treat my depression on my own, that I don't have to just live with it. I can ask for help.

~ Reader from Utah

Complete and actionable

“This guide [to Bipolar Disorder] is wonderful. It is complete and actionable. The information is at a level that is easy to understand and yet covers the complicated issues involved with bipolar management. I am bipolar and appreciate the information in a format that helps me and that I can share with friends and family members.”

~ Reader from Canada

Grief & Loss

It has helped me and my family help one another

After reading your topic on coping with grief and loss, I now know why my father's consultant has told him he is suffering from depression. He has had all the symptoms you stated in your article after the death of our mum. It has not only helped me understand what dad needs, but also made me be there for him, include him in everything we do, and make him feel needed and loved. I would just like to say a big thank you from the bottom of my heart. It has helped me, my family, and dad go on and help one another.”

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

Clear, intelligent and unbiased guidance on grieving

"... died suddenly this last weekend and the news has generated a very complex mix of intense emotions for both of us. The clear, intelligent and unbiased guidance you offer on your site has proven helpful beyond measure. Thank you so much."

~ Reader from California

Suicide prevention

It saved my life this weekend

“I came across the info on coping with suicidal thoughts. It saved my life this weekend. Your advice is well thought out and meaningful to someone in such a severe state.”

~ Reader from Pennsylvania

There is a way out of that horrible thought process

“I've searched online for help many times, and finally found something that I can use to start a forward journey towards health. I've been contemplating suicide for so many years, which seemed inevitable, but I now feel there is a way out of that horrible thought process. This truly has been a life saver for me. Many, many thanks.”

~ Reader from Massachusetts

Resource for teens going through difficulties

“Your website has helped me quite a lot in dealing with friends. Thank you for taking the time to provide a resource [not only for] adults, but also towards teens going through difficulties. Right now I have a friend struggling with depression, suicide, and family troubles. I am always the friend that “is there” and this website helps me fill that role.”

~ Reader from Canada

Stress

Your article has filled me with genuine hope

“I feel supported and hopeful after reading your very comprehensive articles (on stress). It is so rare to find this kind of in-depth support, offering specific tools and self-help tips. I have always been a stressed person and am desperate now to bring real change into my life. Your article has filled me with genuine hope (it brought tears of relief to my eyes) and a positive and achievable way forward.”

~ Reader from England

Parenting & Divorce

Loads of handy hints and tips that might be appropriate for any given family

“I have never written to an organization before but I thought I'd just say that I've only just found your website and it's great! [Our company] works with families in crisis and many of our parents have difficulties with mental health issues. It's often post-natal depression, depression, or attachment difficulties and our volunteers try to offer emotional and practical support. Your web site has just given us loads and loads of handy hints and tips that might be appropriate for any given family.”

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

Many can benefit from following the appropriate suggestions

“My wife and I have a blended family. The very structure which is set-up in this article is how we chose to follow through with blending our family. There are set-backs from time to time; however, it is a family of people who have become willing to engage, and choose to [do so] in a healthy manner. Thank you for the reminders which are well worth their weight . . . many can benefit from following the appropriate suggestions found in this article.”

~ Reader from South Carolina

I feel empowered by your advice

“I have been through a lot of emotions dealing with my child’s breakdowns due to bullying at school, caring for my elderly mother, recently losing my job, and experiencing financial hardship, as well as coping with a bad relationship which is making me an emotional wreck. I just want to thank you all for this valuable support which I will focus on to get me through . . . I was at my wits end and now I feel empowered by your advice.”

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

Relationship Help

The answers are there

“I am currently going through a divorce, with a woman I have been married to for over 14 years. Since I have found your website, and the discussions about emotional intelligence, the attachment bond, etc., the picture has become clear to me . . . the reason why she could never have an emotional connection with me. At least now, I know why. I don't know if she will ever have the strength to face these issues, or the will to use this information to save our family, but it is good to know the answers are there. Your analysis and insight are right on the money.”

~ Reader from Massachusetts

Renewed love and warmth for my blessed little family

“I am confident now that your article [on Anger Management] will keep me more in check and watch myself as I really don’t want my children to go through the same unpredictable anger that I experienced as a child. I know now I have absolutely no business to treat my two beautiful children in an abusive manner, however difficult the situation can get. Thank you so much for being a guiding light and touching my heart with renewed love and warmth for my blessed little family.”

~ Reader from Australia

Helped heal my life

“. . . The article on Attachment Disorders/Reactive Attachment Disorders . . . provided the missing pieces, and has helped heal my life, and will allow me to help heal the lives of the people I love. I see so many people who suffer the same thing. We can be free now. The sensitivity with which the subject matter is handled, the depth of understanding therein, the clarity and lack of "ego", and professionalism of the website itself - all of these things are greatly appreciated.”

~ Reader from Australia

Diet & Nutrition

Now I can help myself a little more

Just diagnosed as diabetic, [Helpguide’s] the best help so far, dietary facts easy to understand. Now I can help myself a little more.

~ Reader from Thailand

Alzheimer’s and Dementia/Caregiving

I shall be a regular visitor

I know that I shall be a regular visitor as I go through the continuing stages of this awful disease as a carer for my lovely 83 year-old mother. I shall not just live it but, life willing, I shall share it with some of those who are following in my footsteps. We are all learning.

~ Reader from the United Kingdom

Great points that I never considered

“The [Alzheimer’s Behavior Management] article was very informative. It also gave great points that I never considered and ideas that can be shared with others. I can also use them as a relief for the patient that I care for daily.”

~ Reader from Alabama

I will never be without anxiety, but now I know how to deal with it

“I have been on and off antidepressants for years . . . I thought medication was the only answer for me. I had tried to manage my anxiety on my own only to give up and go back on medication. I was scared, and I did not trust myself. I felt so out of control of my emotions. . . . I watched the videos in the Emotional Toolkit, read the articles, and listened to "Riding the Wild Horse." I worked hard for the next four months and used the techniques taught on this website. My anxiety has decreased, and I feel so powerful! All without nasty side effects. :) I wish I would have found your website sooner. I know that I will never be without anxiety, but now I know how to deal with it.”

~ Reader from Idaho

The Ride the Wild Horse meditation proved to be the wonderful answer

“The Ride the Wild Horse meditation was of real help. After going through some really traumatic incident in my teens and later in my adult life, I had shut myself off emotionally and had as a result had problems relating to people. After realizing this, I was looking for some process that would help me to open up emotionally. The Ride the Wild Horse meditation proved to be the wonderful answer.”

~ Reader from India

Helped me a lot with my own healing

“Your toolkit helped me a lot with my own healing and my work as volunteer trauma support counselor. Currently our family is mourning the loss of my brother and, once again, [the toolkit] is becoming my point of reference.”

~ Reader from South Africa

So nice to have a website that is not trying to sell you something

“I've been clean and sober from drugs and alcohol for the last 14 months. I have suffered also from major depression and GAD [generalized anxiety disorder]. I, like so many others, was a victim of emotional and physical trauma as an infant and child. I have been using the Ride the Wild Horse meditation and find it very helpful and enjoyable. It is so nice to have a website like yours that is not trying to sell you something. This means a whole lot to me. It makes me feel cared about.”

~ Reader from Florida

On the path to being the loving and caring person I once was

“I struggle greatly with my divorce (a year ago) and adjusting to being a single mom. . . . In my search for help, I have come across your site. I am currently going through the toolkit and consistently finding relief. Thank you for having this amazing tool here to help people like me. I feel as though I have found something to finally help me refocus all of this hurt and stress and start me on the path to being the loving and caring person I once was.”

~ Reader from California

I am learning not to fear

“This toolkit . . . has impacted my life in so many ways. I didn't realize how out of touch I was with my emotional intelligence. Childhood trauma, sexual assault and the aftermath had scarred my emotional connections. I was prone to mild depression, anxiety, fears, and felt frozen. Now I am learning not to fear but rather to embrace my emotions and I am gradually beginning to accept that my emotions are a gift not a curse. I have followed the steps as outlined in the toolkit and it was easy to do.”

~ Reader from Canada

Always thought of my emotions as something to avoid

“I suffer from depression and anxiety. I find the articles and the videos very helpful. I find the "tone" within the resources to be supportive (and) love that the focus on mental health is shifting to emotional intelligence. I have always thought of my emotions as something to avoid (but) am now seeing that they are valid, and that they tell us a lot. Thank you so much for making this vital information available to everyone, free of charge.”

~ Reader from Canada