In a story, characters have all sorts of avenues to explore for the help that they need. In the real world however, we don’t have the advantages of spells and potions to heal us. Sometimes we need help.
As I’ve discussed mental health with people throughout the years, I’ve heard the same sentence from so many: “I don’t even know where to start.”
When we’re suffering from conditions outside our control, sometimes it feels impossible to try and look for help. Having been there myself, I wanted a place where people could find the help that they need, in one place that condenses the options.
If you, or someone you know, need help, please look through the resources below.
One last message: It’s ok to not feel ok. It’s ok to be struggling. Healing or needing help does not mean that there’s something wrong with you. Hang in there.
Links to Websites, Providers, and Directories: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html
Links to specific websites can be found through the link above. Phone numbers are listed here.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
Veteran and Active-Duty Military Resources: Call 988 and press 1. Text 838255
Maternal Mental Health: If you are pregnant or just had a baby and in need of mental health support, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
Natural and Human-Caused Disaster Helpline: Call or Text 1-800-985-5990
Mental and Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Text your 5-digit ZIP Code to 435748 (HELP4U). Reply HELP to reach an information specialist. TTY 1-800-487-4889
Support Groups: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
Basic Needs (Food, Housing, Federal Benefits, Elderly Care):
For Food, Housing, and Benefits: https://www.211.org/?utm_source=HowRightNow&utm_medium=HRNwebsite
For Elderly Care, Call 1-800-677-1116. TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then instruct the relay operator to connect you to 1-800-677-1116
Violence and Abuse Hotlines:
For Domestic Violence, Call 800-799-SAFE (7233), Text “START” to 88788, or TTY 800-787-3224
For the National Sexual Assault Hotline, services are free, confidential, safe, and available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
For the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Call 1-888-373-7888. Available 24/7/365, in more than 200 languages. All calls are confidential and answered live by highly trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates.
For the National Child Abuse Hotline, Call 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453), or Text 1-800-422-4453.
For the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). After you have reported your child missing to law enforcement, they can offer technical assistance.
- National Runaway Safeline is a federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth, available 24/7/365, providing access to resources and listening professionals.
- You can call NRS at 1-800-RUNAWAY or at 1800runaway.org
LGBTQ+ Resources:
- The Trevor Project has several direct online resources specifically for LGBTQ+ youth:
- Trevor Lifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
- TrevorChat is a confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7, at trevorproject.org/get-help-now/.
- TrevorText is a confidential text messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7/365, by texting START to 678678.
- TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24 available at trevorspace.org
- Trans Lifeline Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people located all over the US and Candada, for trans and questioning callers.
- You can call Trans Lifeline Hotline at 877-565-8860
- translifeline.org/hotline
Resources for parents and families of LGBTQ+ members:
https://parentingpath.org/for-families/lgbtqa_resources.html
Resource center for LGBTQ+ Members:
Duncan Allred 