That’s it! I think there is not enough conversation on mental health. It seems like this topic is still a taboo. And it shouldn’t.
I had a chance to attend a “Navigate the Hurdles B4Stage4” conference by Mental Health America of Arizona(May 24th, 2017). Among participants were social workers, firefighters, police officers, volunteers, etc. People willing to learn and get more information that they can utilize later on.
No matter what other people say, if you feel that something is just not right and you need mental health help (or you know someone who might need that help) here are some links/phone numbers you might find useful.
Useful Resources:
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- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Phone (1-800-273-8255) website (click here)
- Crisis Text Line: a free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis. Service is completely free, but messaging rates apply if you’re NOT on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Who can text? “People of all ages – we’re not just for teenagers”. Parents, college students, older adults, and anyone else are welcome to text. What issues Crisis Text Line counselors can help you with: Suicidal Thoughts/Self-harm/Depression/Stress and Anxiety/Grief/Eating Disorders/Physical Abuse/Emotional Abuse/Sexual Abuse/Isolation and Loneliness/Relationship Issues/Bullying. For even more phone resources (not only mental health related) please visit Crisis Text Line more resources website. To visit Crisis Text Line website (click here). All you have to do is to text “HOME” to 741741
- MentalHealth.org: If you or someone you know has a mental health problem, there are ways to get help. Studies show that most people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Visit MentalHealth.org website to find more about: how to get immediate help, how to cope with traumatic events, how to get help for veterans and their families, get info on health insurance and mental health services, how to participate in clinical trails.
- Veterans Crisis Line: connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline/online chat/text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Visit VeteransCrisisLine website (click here).
- NAMI HelpLine: HelpLine staff and volunteers are prepared to answer your questions about mental health issues including Symptoms of mental health conditions/Treatment options/Local support groups and services/Education programs/Helping family members get treatment/Programs to help find jobs/Legal issues (the NAMI Legal Resource Service can connect individuals with attorneys in their area but does not have the resources to provide individual representation). You can call or email: 1-800-273-8255 or send an email: info@nami.org or visit NAMI website (click here)
- If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.
Additional Resources:
- The National Institute of Mental Health (to visit NIMH website, click here)
- Mental Health – A Guide for Community and Faith Leaders (to visit MentalHealth.org website please click here)
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 24/7 phone support 1-800-799-7233 r visit website (click here)
Of course, there are more organizations nationwide and statewide but this is something you can start with. If you would like to add more to the list, please share in the comment.
Mental Health, let’s talk about it.
