HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that you are worthy and deserve to be heard. Mental Health Missions does not provide professional treatment but below are links to resources where help is available. If you are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or need psychiatric treatment, please seek professional consultation. If you are in crisis and need to speak to someone immediately please consider contacting one of the following resources:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
En Español: 1-888-628-9454
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
Text HOME to 741741 in the United States
Text HOME to 686868 in Canada
Text HOME to 85258 in the United Kingdom
For additional international resources click here
1-800-273-8255
1-800-799-4889 (Hearing impaired)
Text 838255
Additional resources
National Institute of Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Council for Behavioral Health
Helping someone who needs help
It can be a difficult experience when someone you care about is struggling, especially if you don’t know how to help. It is important to always take comments and references about mental health, self-harm, and/or suicide seriously. Even if a person is making what appears to be a joke, remember these are serious matters and must be treated as such. Here are some things you can do if someone you care about is going through a challenging time:
- Check in with the person you are concerned about. Ask how he or she is feeling today. A simple question like that may seem small but can make a big difference. It can show that person that you care and that they matter.
- Let the person know that you are coming from a place of concern and withhold judgment. If a person feels as though they are being judged, he or she may feel uncomfortable opening up. Avoid saying things that could suggest blame and do not joke or make light of the situation. Authenticity and sincerity will likely make an individual feel more at ease.
- Listen! Sometimes all that anyone needs when they are having a hard time is to have a trusted person to confide in. Being a confidant for someone in a time of need can make all the difference. Expressing compassion and letting someone know it is ok to talk about their feelings will demonstrate your support.
- Be aware of your limitations. It is a great sign that someone trusts you enough to open up that he or she is having a hard time. However, unless you are a trained mental health provider, it is important to consult a professional. For kids, it will be important to talk with a trusted adult.
- Holding heavy information is a lot to take on. Therefore, it is best to consult professional guidance. A mental health professional will be trained to ask the right questions in order to determine appropriate interventions and treatment options. You can refer the person you are concerned about to his or her primary care provider, doctor, mental health care professional or therapist.