Mental Health

Mental Health Crisis Lines and Communities

A girl (me) walking a dog by a pond. This photo was captured by William + Kristen Photography.

Every time you call out, you’re a little less alone. In this post you’ll find two lists; a list of Crisis and Help Lines and a list of Supportive Communities. You are not alone. You deserve help and support. I want to make the process easier for you.

Crisis and Help Lines 

In this section you will find a list of mental health crisis and help lines. Scroll through and find what fits your needs. If you or a loved one needs immediate help call 911, now. 

CRISIS and SUICIDE PREVENTION

Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis.
United States and Canada: Text HOME to 741741
United Kingdom: Text HOME to 85258
Ireland: Text HOME to 50808
Web: www.crisistextline.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, whether they are considering suicide or not, please call the toll-free Lifeline to speak with a trained Crisis Counselor 24/7.
Call: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
Web: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

LGBTQ+

Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
Trevor Text: Text START to 678678
Web: www.thetrevorproject.org

Trans Lifeline
The Trans Lifeline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. If you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, call.
United States: 1-877-565-8860
Canada: 1-877-330-6366
Web: www.translifeline.org

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance Abuse Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
Call: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)
Web: www.samhsa.gov

EATING DISORDERS 

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
NEDA supports those affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
Text: Text NEDA to 741741
Call: 1-800-931-2237 (Monday – Thursday 11am – 9pm and Friday 11am – 5pm, ET)
Chat: chatserver.com (Monday – Thursday from 9am – 9pm and Friday 9am – 5pm, ET)
Web: nationaleatingdisorders.org

VIOLENCE and ASSAULT

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information.
Call: 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE)
Web: www.thehotline.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline 
Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Free help, 24/7.
Call: 1-800-656-4673 (1-800-656-HOPE)
Web: rainn.org

SERVICE MEMBERS / PUBLIC SAFETY 

Veterans Crisis Line
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24/7. The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
Call: 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1)
Text: 838255
Web: www.veteranscrisisline.net

Safe Call Now – Public Safety Employees 
Safe Call Now is the premier confidential crisis referral service for police, fire, corrections, all first responders, and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now is a resource for public safety employees to speak confidentially with officers, former law enforcement officers, public safety professionals and/or mental healthcare providers who are familiar with your line of work.
Call:  1-206-459-3020
Web: safecallnow.org

EMERGENCY

Emergency – Call 911
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. It is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for an officer trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency.

Supportive Communities 

In this section you will find a detailed list of mental health support systems and communities.  You deserve support and I want to make the process easier for you. Some of these communities also have crisis/help lines so you might see them listed in “Crisis and Help Lines” section of this post as well. Scroll through and find what fits your needs.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI works to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness. NAMI has free events, education, and support groups on mental health; for those struggling with mental illness, and for their loved ones.
Programs: nami.org/Find-Support
Web: nami.org

Mental Health America
MHA is dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Their website offers tremendous resources and can help you navigate the world of mental health.
Web: mhanational.org

I Don’t Mind
Launched by Chris Wood (Supergirl) with co-founder Edward Schmit, I DON’T MIND works to break down the barrier of mental health stigma, while also bringing help to those that need it. The goal of I DON’T MIND is to get people talking about their minds, and to generate positive message about mental health.
Web: idontmind.com

Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
Podcast: therapyforblackgirls.com/podcast
Find Therapists: providers.therapyforblackgirls.com
Web: therapyforblackgirls.com

Melanin & Mental Health
Melanin & Mental Health was born out of a desire to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. They are committed to promoting the growth and healing of our communities through our website, online directory, and monthly events.
Web: melaninandmentalhealth.com

SUICIDE PREVENTION

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
AFSP gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community. This community is empowered by research, education, and advocacy.
Web: afsp.org

BIPOLAR DISORDER

International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)
IBPF was founded by four parents with children affected by bipolar disorder. Well aware of the trauma that bipolar disorder causes, these parents felt compelled to do something constructive to help.
Web: ibpf.org

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) 
IOCDF works to help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) live full and productive lives by building awareness, increasing access to treatment, and ending stigma.
Web: iocdf.org

Not Alone Notes
Not Alone Notes mails free, handwritten letters to others with OCD to remind them they aren’t alone, encourage hope, and dispense resources.
Web: notalonenotes.org

Picking Me Foundation
Picking Me Foundation is dedicated to advocating about dermatillomania (skin-picking disorder) for sufferers, supporters, and educational communities alike.
Web: pickingme.org

DEPRESSION

The Blurt Foundation
The Blurt Foundation works to increase awareness and understanding of depression.  Blurt exists to make a difference for anyone affected by depression.
Web: blurtitout.org

AUTISM

The Autism Society
A nationwide network of affiliates, connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.
Web: https://autismsociety.org

The Autism Network (AANE)
Provides individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy.
Web: https://www.aane.org

LGBTQ+

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Web: thetrevorproject.org

GLAAD
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
Web: glaad.org

Explore: Coming Out
Find resources to help you come out and live openly at home, at work and in your community. This is part of the Human Rights Campaign.
Web: hrc.org/explore/topic/coming-out

EATING DISORDERS

National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
NEDA supports those affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
Web: nationaleatingdisorders.org

National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED)
The NCEED’s goal is to ensure that all individuals with eating disorders are identified, treated, and supported in recovery. The NCEED works to advance education and training of healthcare providers and to promote public awareness of eating disorders and eating disorder treatment.
Web:
https://www.nceedus.org

Beat Eating Disorders – United Kingdom
Beat (UK) exists to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders. Beat is a champion, guide and friend to anyone affected, giving individuals experiencing an eating disorder and their loved ones a place where they feel listened to, supported and empowered.
Web: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
Web: samhsa.gov
Find Treatment: findtreatment.samhsa.gov

RECOVERY and HOPE

To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA)
TWLOHA works to present hope and find help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
TWLOHA “Find Help” Page: twloha.com/find-help/
Web: twloha.com

Live Through This
Live Through This is a collection of portraits and true stories of suicide attempt survivors across the United States.
Web: livethroughthis.org

YOUTH

JED Foundation
The Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center provides essential information about common emotional health issues for teens and young  adults.
Web: jedfoundation.org

Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.
Web: childmind.org

POSITIVITY COMMUNITIES

Shethority
Created by Caity Lotz (Legends of Tomorrow), Candice Patton (The Flash), and other DC Comics heroines, Shethority is an online global collective that provides a positive space for women (cis women, trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified) to discuss and conquer the unique challenges of the female experience in today’s world through sharing journeys, challenges, triumphs, and inspirations.
Web: shethority.com

Born This Way Foundation
Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, the Born This Way Foundation works to create a kinder and braver world. Born This Way provides youth with genuine opportunities, quality resources, and platforms to make their voices heard.
Web: bornthisway.foundation

SERVICE MEMBERS / VETERANS 

Restore Warriors
Restore Warriors is an online tool that teaches warriors more about the invisible wounds of war. As part of the Wounded Warrior Project, it assists warriors in navigating mental health resources that help process their combat experience.
Web: woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/combat-stress-recovery-program

Military OneSource
OneSource stands ready to assist as you master military life. OneSource works to give you expert support and information that is proven and practical. They offer a trusted voice that is free, private, and confidential.
Web: militaryonesource.mil

Curtain Call

I’m not a mental health expert or medical professional. I’m a housewife, farmer, and blogger who is living with bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Please keep in mind: I can’t offer medical advice and I’m not trained to help you in a crisis situation. I sincerely care about you and I want to help. Passing along resources and sharing my own experiences is the best I can do. I hope this post helps.

The resources in this post are ordered by how frequently their keywords are searched on my blog and how frequently people contact me for certain resources. Most of these resources are based in the United States.

This post is a living document. If you know about a resource that needs to be added to this list, please let me know. I’m doing the best I can with the knowledge I have. I appreciate your help. You can comment below or contact me privately.  You can also connect with me on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

Every time you call out, you’re a little less alone. You matter and you deserve support. Share this post with your friends. Use it when you need it.

Keep breathing. You are spectacular.

Sincerely, Elizabeth
Uncustomary Housewife

MissDaisey(112of115).jpg
Image Description: A girl is walking a dog by a pond on a sunny day. This image was captured by William + Kristen Photography.

15 comments on “Mental Health Crisis Lines and Communities

  1. Thank you for sharing this. As someone with bipolar and with many friends and family who have suffered with mental health issues for years and are just now seeking help, this is an amazing tool. Again, thank you and have a marvelous week.

  2. Great resource. Thanks!

  3. Pingback: Every time you call out, you’re a little less alone — I want to make the process easier for you – Funny Health

  4. What a great resource! It’s nice to have everything all in one place. Sharing this!

  5. Informative article!!!

  6. Thank you for posting so many great resources.

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  12. This is a great resource, and your blog is super, too. Those of us with mental health issues DO need to speak out. Thank you!

  13. Pingback: Handling Mother’s Day After Pregnancy Loss – Uncustomary Housewife

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