From a medical standpoint, mental illness is just like any other medical problem an individual may have or suffer from, but there is a lot of societal stigma that comes along with mental illness, and many people don’t even want to talk about these little monsters at all. The good thing is that most mental health conditions are treatable through various methods, some of which we’ve talked about already, like psychotherapy, medications, and other self-care methods.
If you are in a crisis, get immediate help:
- Call 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
- Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling
- Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish)
If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away or dial 911 in an emergency. You also can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential. nimh.nih.gov
Seek immediate assistance if you think your friend or family member is in danger of harming themselves. You can call a crisis line or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates, or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline website or the Crisis Text Line website. nimh.nih.gov
Talking to friends and family about mental health problems can be an opportunity to provide information, support, and guidance. Learning about mental health issues can lead to improved recognition of early signs of mental health problems, earlier treatment, and greater understanding and compassion.
No matter where you or a loved one may stand, whether they’re still getting to know their monsters or have been able to tame them to an extent, know that we are here for you. Wes are proud of you, no matter where you are in your mental health journey, and know that these little guys are proud too.
