One of the fastest rising mental health crises in our generation is the number of teens and adults dying by suicide. Because this topic is so sensitive in nature and has the possibility of triggering a response in individuals who struggle with thoughts of self-harm, the purpose of this post is to provide resources for anyone who may be in crisis right now.
If you are in crisis right now, I urge you to seek help. If you are not currently receiving professional mental health help then when this moment passes, I encourage you to research a mental health therapist or psychiatrist near you to get the help that can save your life.
Everyone’s struggle is different. Your life is worth it, and even though I don’t know you, I’m glad you’re here reading this. Please stay – for you.
Crisis hotlines
When people are having thoughts of harming themselves, suicide prevention hotlines can make all the difference. Crisis hotlines help millions of people every year and offer the option to speak with trained volunteers and counselors, either via phone or text message.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of more than 150 local crisis centers. It offers free and confidential emotional support around the clock to those experiencing a suicidal crisis.
Contact information:
- 800-273-8255 (24/7)
- Online chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ (24/7)
- https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is a free text messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis. Since August 2013, more than 79 million text messages have been exchanged.
Contact information:
- Text HOME to 741741 (24/7)
- https://www.crisistextline.org/
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth through its hotline, chat feature, text feature, and online support center.
Contact information:
- 866-488-7386 (24/7)
- Text START to 678678. (Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)
- TrevorCHAT (instant messaging, available seven days a week 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST)
- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource staffed by qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Anyone can call, chat, or text — even those not registered or enrolled with the VA.
Contact information:
- 800-273-8255 and press 1 (24/7)
- Text 838255 (24/7)
- Online chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat (24/7)
- Support for those who are deaf or hard of hearing: 800-799-4889
- www.veteranscrisisline.net
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline offers confidential treatment referrals in both English and Spanish to people struggling with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. In the first quarter of 2018, the helpline received more than 68,000 calls every month.
Contact information:
- 800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7)
- TTY: 800-487-4889 (24/7)
- www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/suicide-resource-guide#4