# Open Mental Health Chats 18percent is an Open Slack Community for Mental Health Discussions By Joey Haar | Published 2018-06-06 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/18percent References: [producthunt](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/18percent) & [18percent.org](https://18percent.org/) Despite being a massive issue worldwide, mental health has only recently become part of the national conversation, and 18percent is an [open support group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jammychat) that lets people both get help and learn more about [mental health in general](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-mind-campaign). 18percent is a completely free Slack community that connects people who are empathetic and sensitive toward issues of mental health. In the US, 18 percent of people live with mental health issues; that's nearly one in five people. Recognizing the broad impact that mental illness has on society as a whole, 18percent is devoted to giving people who are suffering an outlet. The [peer-to-peer network](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mentaljourney) doesn't offer any professional medical advice, but rather connects users to others in the community who may have gone through the same issues in their own lives. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Activism](https://www.trendhunter.com/activism) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Open Mental Health Chats:** 18percent is revolutionizing mental health support by providing an open and free platform for people to connect and discuss their issues in a supportive community. - **National Conversation on Mental Health:** The increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in society is driving the need for platforms like 18percent that facilitate open discussions and provide support. - **Peer-to-peer Mental Health Support:** The rise of peer-to-peer networks like 18percent highlight the demand for alternative support systems that connect individuals who have firsthand experience with mental health issues. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry should explore incorporating online platforms like 18percent to supplement professional medical advice and provide accessible mental health support. - **Technology:** The development of innovative communication platforms, such as Slack communities, can be utilized to create inclusive and supportive mental health communities like 18percent. - **Social Networking:** Social networking companies can integrate mental health support features to enhance user wellbeing and foster a sense of community, as demonstrated by 18percent. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Peer-Connected Support Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/togetherall.md) - [Peer Support Chats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/findalikeme.md) - [Online Mental Health Support](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-therapist1.md) - [Emotional Support Chats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-mind.md) - [Empathetic AI Therapists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-therapists.md) - [Mental Health Support Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mental-health-support-platform.md) - [Teen Meditation Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/headspace-for-teens.md) - [Self-Guided Mental Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindless-labs.md) - [Connection-Focused Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/circles.md)