988 - you can call or text if you are in crisis
988 is available to you if you need help, and if you know someone in crisis they are available to you too.
The lifeline provides confidential and free support, 24/7. They also have a website https://988lifeline.org/
The lifeline provides confidential and free support, 24/7. They also have a website https://988lifeline.org/
What is a mental health crisis - can anyone have one?
A mental health crisis can come about for a variety of reasons, and we never know what the final straw will be for someone.
There are so many places in our lives that we are under stress, or having to process something traumatic; and sometimes even it's just that moment that everything added up to too much. It can also be a medical situation from a cancer diagnosis, or a car accident, or even a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia. It's a wide range or reasons. And all ages, ALL ages - from children, to tweens, teens, adults, middle age to seniors. Mental health is health, and it affects all income levels, all nationalities it doesn't discriminate. We all go through times in our life where we need a shoulder to lean on, or someone to listen. You matter, and there are people that want to help you get to a better place. People that care about you and want you to be safe, and want you to be here, and see you win. There is hope, and there are a variety of options and solutions, and when you reach out, they can help you find what's best and most comfortable for YOU! |
Domestic Violence 800-799-7233 or Text START to 88788
Sexual Assault 1-800-656-4673 Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or Text 838255 Treatment Referral 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Eating Disorder 1-800-931-2237 People are more likely to seek help, and or treatment, when a friend or family, or loved one encourages them to.
You can't "fix" someone but you can listen, encourage, and share resources with them. And you can support the process, send a card, an email or text, give them a call. And if you think someone may be suicidal, ask them directly. You aren't going to "put an idea in their head". But you may save their life. Direct questions, not hint arounds - and if they are, stay with them until you can get them help. Domestic Violence Internet usage can be monitored and is impossible to erase completely. If you’re concerned your internet usage might be monitored, call us at 800.799.SAFE (7233).
https://www.thehotline.org/ Sexual Assault https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline Veterans Crisis Line https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ Treatment Referral https://findtreatment.gov/ or https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline Eating Disorder https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ |
Teen, Tween or Kid?
If you are a teen, or a kid and you need help and you aren't sure how to go about it - call or text 988
Or you can go check out this website - https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/09/how-to-ask-an-adult-for-help/
There are a lot of tips on that page of how to ask for help, but there are also tools to help you with ideas on how to deal with a lot of that everyday pressure that comes with being a teen. And don't let anyone tell you it's easy, and there is no pressure, "cause you're just a kid" because it's not true. Teens today face a lot of things that older generations never had to, younger kids too.
Or you can go check out this website - https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/09/how-to-ask-an-adult-for-help/
There are a lot of tips on that page of how to ask for help, but there are also tools to help you with ideas on how to deal with a lot of that everyday pressure that comes with being a teen. And don't let anyone tell you it's easy, and there is no pressure, "cause you're just a kid" because it's not true. Teens today face a lot of things that older generations never had to, younger kids too.
Self Care - Daily!
Well balanced self care touches on seven areas, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social. What it really boils down to, is you having a good relationship with yourself! And making you, and time for you a priority - and yes, that means all of us.
And a lot of what helps we all already know: eat right, or at least better/healthier, get good sleep. and enough sleep 7-9 hours depending on your need and age, and move more, at least get out for a walk.
Some other tips include doing things you enjoy. Whatever that is, painting, reading, photography, fishing, gardening - notice they all end in "ing" they are doing words. Make time for the activities, and the people that you enjoy.
People you enjoy, is a key to self care - don't isolate, but do spend time with others. Those people though need to be the ones that make you feel good about yourself, lift you up, make you smile. If you leave feeling down, stressed, and bad about yourself, those aren't your self care people.
And that brings us to boundaries. No is a complete sentence. A great practice is to make a boundaries list of what you do want, and what you won't tolerate. Boundaries include scheduling time for you, and for self care, and then honoring your schedule. And a no list, that's great for things you don't like, or no longer want to do. And it can include things like no cellphone, 30 minutes before bed (or first thing while you are still in bed in the morning), or no longer participating in a group that you feel you "should". In fact the "should" in things is often a big clue of something that needs to change in our lives.
Maybe you can't leave your job today, but getting a plan in place can help. Maybe you can't join a gym, but you can walk around the block. Maybe you can't leave your toxic home situation today, but working towards a new place can help.
And gratitude really does work, even if you have to start with simple things, I am breathing, I ate today, I have a place to sleep, I know a number (988) I can call.
And a lot of what helps we all already know: eat right, or at least better/healthier, get good sleep. and enough sleep 7-9 hours depending on your need and age, and move more, at least get out for a walk.
Some other tips include doing things you enjoy. Whatever that is, painting, reading, photography, fishing, gardening - notice they all end in "ing" they are doing words. Make time for the activities, and the people that you enjoy.
People you enjoy, is a key to self care - don't isolate, but do spend time with others. Those people though need to be the ones that make you feel good about yourself, lift you up, make you smile. If you leave feeling down, stressed, and bad about yourself, those aren't your self care people.
And that brings us to boundaries. No is a complete sentence. A great practice is to make a boundaries list of what you do want, and what you won't tolerate. Boundaries include scheduling time for you, and for self care, and then honoring your schedule. And a no list, that's great for things you don't like, or no longer want to do. And it can include things like no cellphone, 30 minutes before bed (or first thing while you are still in bed in the morning), or no longer participating in a group that you feel you "should". In fact the "should" in things is often a big clue of something that needs to change in our lives.
Maybe you can't leave your job today, but getting a plan in place can help. Maybe you can't join a gym, but you can walk around the block. Maybe you can't leave your toxic home situation today, but working towards a new place can help.
And gratitude really does work, even if you have to start with simple things, I am breathing, I ate today, I have a place to sleep, I know a number (988) I can call.
Here is the link https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/08/three-ways-to-get-mental-health-help-anonymously/ there are some great resources on that page, and no they don't all include having to call or text someone. Go have a look!
And this page https://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/ has a free screening you can use and it's anonymous.
And this page https://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/ has a free screening you can use and it's anonymous.
Click on this page and read through some excellent tips and explanations - you could save a life. https://www.wellspacehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/helping_someone_in_suicidal_crisis_handout-2-1-11-30-2016.pdf
And this page is filled full of resources - https://suicidology.org/resources/
And this page is filled full of resources - https://suicidology.org/resources/