Feeling better starts here.

You don’t have to be in crisis to check in on your mental health. Whether you're feeling off, anxious, curious, or just want to take better care of yourself—Mindful Start is a space to pause, reflect, and explore support that fits your life.

Let"s start with what you need...

Support for my mental health

Every person's experience is unique. Whether you're just noticing a shift or actively seeking support, there's no wrong place to begin.
Mindful Start offers the C.A.R.E. approach:
Check-In, Act, Reflect, Engage, a simple way to find what you need, when you need it.

Check-In

Act

Reflect

Engage

Check-In

Quick tools to help you understand how you’re doing.

You’ll find:

  • Sun Scale
  • MHA Screenings
  • Mood tracking apps
START YOUR CHECK-IN

Act

Explore support options that work for you.

You’ll find:

  • TBT Therapist Finder
  • Online therapy directories
  • Bridge counseling access
Take the Next Step

Reflect

Learn what you might be going through and what’s helping or not.

You’ll find:

  • Articles on mental health
  • IYKYK stories
  • Advice videos
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Engage

Connect with supportive content and simple practices to keep going.

You’ll find:

  • Scary Sundays newsletter
  • Breathwork and mindfulness exercises
  • Self-care resources
STAY CONNECTED

Support for my partner

Every person's experience is unique. Whether you're just noticing a shift or actively seeking support, there's no wrong place to begin.
Mindful Start offers the C.A.R.E. approach:
Check-In, Act, Reflect, Engage, a simple way to find what you need, when you need it.

Check-In

Act

Reflect

Engage

Check-In

Quick tools to help you understand how your partner is feeling — and how you’re doing too.

You’ll find:

  • Sun Scale
  • MHA Screenings
  • Mood tracking apps
START YOUR CHECK-IN

Act

Explore support options that work for both you and your partner.

You’ll find:

  • TBT Therapist Finder
  • Online therapy directories
  • Bridge counseling access
Take the Next Step

Reflect

Learn what your partner might be going through and what’s helping or not.

You’ll find:

  • Articles on mental health
  • IYKYK stories
  • Partner advice videos
  • Caregiver video stories
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Engage

Connect with supportive content and simple practices to keep going.

You’ll find:

  • Scary Sundays newsletter
  • Breathwork and mindfulness exercises
  • Self-care resources for caregivers
STAY CONNECTED

Help for my child

Every person's experience is unique. Whether you're just noticing a shift or actively seeking support, there's no wrong place to begin.
Mindful Start offers the C.A.R.E. approach:
Check-In, Act, Reflect, Engage, a simple way to find what you need, when you need it.

Check-In

Act

Reflect

Engage

Check-In

Quick tools to help you understand how your child is feeling — and how you’re doing too.

You’ll find:

  • Sun Scale
  • MHA Screenings
  • Mood tracking apps
START YOUR CHECK-IN

Act

Explore support options that work for both you and your child.

You’ll find:

  • TBT Therapist Finder
  • Online therapy directories
  • Bridge counseling access
Take the Next Step

Reflect

Learn what your child might be going through and what’s helping or not.

You’ll find:

  • Articles on kids’ mental health
  • IYKYK stories
  • Parent advice videos
  • Youth and caregiver video stories
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Engage

Connect with supportive content and simple practices to keep going.

You’ll find:

  • Scary Sundays newsletter
  • Breathwork and mindfulness exercises
  • Self-care resources for caregivers
STAY CONNECTED

Tools for my Family

Every person's experience is unique. Whether you're just noticing a shift or actively seeking support, there's no wrong place to begin.
Mindful Start offers the C.A.R.E. approach:
Check-In, Act, Reflect, Engage, a simple way to find what you need, when you need it.

Check-In

Act

Reflect

Engage

Check-In

Quick tools to help you understand how your family member is feeling — and how you’re doing too.

You’ll find:

  • Sun Scale
  • MHA Screenings
  • Mood tracking apps
START YOUR CHECK-IN

Act

Explore support options that work for both you and your family.

You’ll find:

  • TBT Therapist Finder
  • Online therapy directories
  • Bridge counseling access
Take the Next Step

Reflect

Learn what your family member might be going through and what’s helping or not.

You’ll find:

  • Articles on mental health
  • IYKYK stories
  • Family advice videos
  • Caregiver video stories
SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Engage

Connect with supportive content and simple practices to keep going.

You’ll find:

  • Scary Sundays newsletter
  • Breathwork and mindfulness exercises
  • Self-care resources for caregivers
STAY CONNECTED

Medication Questions

Every person's experience is unique. Whether you're just noticing a shift or actively seeking support, there's no wrong place to begin.

What role do medications play in mental health care?

Medications can be helpful, especially when paired with therapy, peer support, and other services. They are not cures, but they can reduce symptoms so that other parts of your treatment plan are more effective. On their own, medications address symptoms, they do not replace long-term care or learning coping strategies.Mental Health America+1

Do mental health medications work instantly?

No. Many mental health medications require consistent daily use. It may take several weeks to notice benefits. Sometimes side effects appear first before relief begins. It may take trying more than one medication before finding the best fit for you.Mental Health America

Why do medications affect people differently?

Are there risks, side effects, or challenges with medications?

Yes. It’s important to weigh benefits and risks. Side effects might appear before benefits. And since medications only treat symptoms, stopping them can lead to their return. Work closely with your provider to adjust dosing or switch medications safely.Mental Health America

What types of medications are available?

Medications fall into categories such as antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs), mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and “as-needed” medications (like sleep aids or anti-anxiety pills). Each type treats different needs and works on different brain systems. Your provider can help you understand which is the best place to begin.Mental Health America

Are there alternatives to medication?

Yes. Therapy, lifestyle changes, peer support, and even herbal or wellness tools may help. Medication is just one option—not mandatory. A combination of approaches is often most effective, but the right plan depends on individual needs and preferences.Mental Health America

How do I make better decisions about medication?

Educate yourself and ask questions. MHA offers resources to help you understand medication types, how they work in your body, and how to collaborate with your provider on dosage, timing, and monitoring.Mental Health Americamhanys.org

“You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step.”
— Tampa Bay Thrives Community Member
Want more words of advice? Sign up for our weekly newsletter 'Scary Sundays".

How Mindful Start Works

No Diagnosis Required

Support is available, with or without a label.

Curated & Local

Curated Built by Tampa Bay Thrives for our community.

Private & Free

Everything you access here is judgment-free and free of charge.

Multiple Paths

Explore support for yourself or someone you love.

Tools for Your Mental Wellness Journey

Mindful Start offers the C.A.R.E. approach: Check-In, Act, Reflect, Engage, a simple way to find what you need, when you need it.

Check-In

Quick tools to help you understand how you or a loved one is feeling.

Act

Explore support options that work for both you and your loved ones.

Reflect

Learn what you or a loved one might be going through and what’s helping or not.

Engage

Connect with supportive content and simple practices to keep going.

Shift Your Thinking with Help from MHA

Feeling stuck in negative thoughts? This free tool from Mental Health America uses AI to help you reframe unhelpful thinking patterns into something more realistic and supportive—right in the moment.

*Note: This tool isn’t monitored by a human. If you’re in crisis, text MHA to 741741 or call/text 988.

Take a Free Mental Health Test

Not sure how you’re doing? These quick, confidential screening tools can help you understand what’s going on and where to go from here.

More Tests

What others are saying

This made me
feel like I wasn’t
alone.

— Local Parent

I finally found a place where I could start without judgment

— COLLEGE STUDENT

I used to think mental health wasn’t for me. Now I get it.

— COMMUNITY MEMBER

FAQs

Is this therapy?

No, Mindful Start is not therapy. It’s a self-guided resource created to help you better understand your mental health, explore supportive tools, and take the next step that feels right for you.
If you’re looking for professional therapy, Mindful Start can help connect you to local therapists and online care options that match your needs.

Do I need to sign up or pay?

No sign-up is required and most tools are completely free to use. Mindful Start is designed to be accessible and low-pressure, so you can explore resources, take screenings, and find support at your own pace.
Some external services we link to, like therapy platforms, may have their own costs or registration, but we’ll always make that clear before you click.

Is my info private?

Yes. Mindful Start does not collect any personal information when you use the tools on our site. Screenings and check-ins are completely confidential and do not require your name, email, or login.
If you choose to sign up for a newsletter or access third-party services, those platforms may have their own privacy policies, which we recommend reviewing. Your privacy and comfort are always a priority.

 

What if I’m in crisis?

Mindful Start is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This free, confidential support is available 24/7.
You can also visit your nearest emergency room or contact a local mental health crisis center. You are not alone, and there is help available right now.

Ready to begin your journey?

Start with a check-in, explore your path, or build your toolkit. Wherever you’re at, Mindful Start is here to walk with you.

Start My Journey
Scary Sundays

A weekly email from Mindful Start to help you feel a little more grounded before Monday hits.

Each Sunday, we’ll send you a short dose of calm:

One Affirmation To Reframe Your Mindset

One Practical Tip To Ease Anxiety

A Reminder That You’re Not Alone

Because the week ahead doesn’t have to feel so heavy.

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