September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources and support organizations
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Douglas County for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
List of mental health resources and support organizations
Here are resources you or your child can reach out to for more information. Organizations are listed alphabetically.
Black Mental Health Alliance
Annually, BMHA provides over 600 referrals to individuals seeking licensed culturally-competent clinicians for behavioral and mental health treatment.
A statewide, 24/7/365, behavioral health crisis response system offering residents mental health, substance use or emotional crisis help, information and referrals, regardless of ability to pay.
Text "TALK" to 38255
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Text “HELLO” to 741741
Disaster Distress Helpline
The disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call or text 800-985-5990
DomesticShelters.org
Provides a list of domestic abuse shelters around the United States.
FORGE
FORGE is a national transgender anti-violence organization.
IMAlive
This nonprofit's focus is suicide intervention, prevention, awareness, and education.
The I Matter program provides access to mental health and substance use disorder services for youth (up to 18 years old) by connecting them with a therapist for up to 6 free virtual counseling sessions that are completely confidential. Talking with someone can make you feel better.
Douglas County Public School Mental Health Resources
Find local resources for mental health support and suicide prevention.
Lifeline Chat
The Lifeline is a free, confidential online crisis service that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects people to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Send a text to 988
National Center for Transgender Equality
The nation's leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people.
Call 202-642-4542
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP)
A national network of service organizations working with LGBTQ people who have been victims of domestic violence
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 888-628-9454; Text or dial 988
The NW Network
Organization specializing in providing resources for LGBTQ victims of domestic violence, the NW Network also maintains an extensive “resource clearinghouse.”
Project Semicolon
Project Semicolon is an anti-suicide movement and a way for people to show support for those dealing with mental health and suicide. The semicolon itself is used to link two thoughts together in writing. Project Semicolon explains it as "when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life." This led to the slogan "Your Story Isn't Over" for the group.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
SAMHSA offers referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment 24/7, 365.
Call 800-662-HELP (4357)
Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. The organization is run by and for trans people.
Call 877-565-8860
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project offers suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Call 866-488-7386
In the event of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency department for immediate assistance.
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
In the event of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency department for immediate assistance.
Oksana Vejus via Canva |
