You know someone struggling with mental illness and/or suicidal tendencies. You want to help, but have no idea what to do. You feel like you’re walking on thin ice and any thing at all could dramatically and negatively affect the situation. Although every situation is different, here are some resources we have found helpful.
Websites
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By dialing 988, the call is routed to the nearest crisis center in our national network of more than 150 crisis centers. The Lifeline’s national network of local crisis centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals day and night.
Bring Change To Mind
Bring Change 2 Mind is a national anti-stigma campaign aimed at removing misconceptions about mental illness. The idea was born out of a partnership between Glenn Close and Fountain House, where Glenn volunteered in order to learn more about mental illness, which both her sister, Jessie Close, and nephew, Calen Pick, live with.
Are You Depressed
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) has resources and ways to help you cope with depression and prevent suicide. Their checklist will help you determine if what you’re dealing with is depression. If so, please contact a medical professional immediately to get the help you need.
NAMI: National Alliance for Mental Illness
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.
The Healing Place: Caritas
www.caritasva.org/programs/healing-place/
Do you know someone who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and is on the streets? The Healing Place provides a safe place for those dealing with addiction to become sober and lead productive, fulfilling lives. Their shelters keep people safe and avoid accidental deaths from overdose and exposure.
American Association of Suicidology
AAS is a membership organization for all those involved in suicide prevention and intervention,or touched by suicide. AAS is a leader in the advancement of scientific and programmatic efforts in suicide prevention through research, education and training, the development of standards and resources, and survivor support services.