Sophomore Rhys Moon Publishes Mental Health Website

In late March, sophomore Rhys Moon began working on developing a website called Mindful Coping that is intended to help people who suffer from Tourette’s Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by exposing them to coping mechanisms. Moon himself has been diagnosed with these conditions, so he has a personal desire to help those who share his diagnosis. On his website, he hopes to provide resources to help individuals cope with their disabilities as well as generate a discussion forum for them to share their experiences. Moon recognizes that many people diagnosed with Tourette’s and OCD do not have the resources he has access to in order to help them with their disorders. He has undergone treatments that cost thousands of dollars. Moon hopes to help those who might not be able to undergo the same expensive treatments he has with his website. 

“Thousands of kids around the world suffer from similar disorders, yet socioeconomic barriers prevent them from receiving the treatment they so desperately need,” Moon said. “With that in mind, [one of] my dreams for Mindful Coping is to provide valuable, free resources to learn and practice healthy methods to control anxiety.”

Moon says that the reactions from his family and his friends have been supportive and encouraging. However, he has not finished coding the website yet and intends to have it completed by mid-June. He also has a series of long-term goals for this website, such as raising further awareness about the realities of mental illnesses as well as providing insight to others about Tourette’s and OCD.

Moon also felt compelled to start his website in order to create an online community. He wants to connect with others living with Tourette’s and OCD and hopes that sharing his own journey can inspire a network of support amongst individuals with similar experiences. 

“After living with these disorders for over 10 years, I am fully aware of the frustrations, hardships and stigma surrounding these topics,” Moon said. “I want to give others a place to voice their opinions, stepping closer to a world where mental and cognitive illnesses are treated with serious regard.”