Finding help is generally easy, even if asking for help can be somewhat difficult.
The Stigma Is Decreasing
Reaching out for help, while it may seem simple, isn’t easy for everyone. On the one hand, I understand why it’s hard. For some, the stigma surrounding mental illness is still present, but we are lucky: We’re living in a world where the stigma surrounding mental health treatment is slowly disappearing. And we know that mental health is part and parcel of one’s overall physical health.
Organizations such as the National Alliance On Mental Illness and Mental Health America have been saying this for years. Their guidelines for mental-health self-care include physical health-care tips:
- Live Healthy (eat well and get enough sleep)
- Practice good hygiene
- See friends, stay social
- Focus on solving problems
- Get some exercise
- Try to do something you enjoy every day
- Find ways to relax
- Avoid alcohol
- Focus on your life instead of your illness
Still, seeking mental-health care services may remain a difficult subject for people. Which is why I point out: Someone with a broken leg or the ‘flu generally doesn’t hesitate to call their doctor. So don’t hesitate to reach out for any kind of help if you need it.
If you’re feeling distressed, are struggling, or are in crisis, there is hope.
Finding Help
While asking for help may seem difficult, finding help is generally very easy. Remember–people are willing to give help much more often than not.
Following is a list of resources (nationally available).
If you need immediate help, dial 911 or present at your local emergency room. Both are great resources in times of crisis.
National Resources
Finding help is often only a phone call away.
Here’s a list of nationally available mental-health resources:
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1.800.273.TALK (273-8255)
CRISIS TEXT LINE
https://www.crisistextline.org/
TEXT HOME TO 741-741
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE
https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
1.800.4.A.CHILD (422-4453)
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
https://www.thehotline.org/
1.800.799.SAFE (799-7233)
RAPE ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK
https://www.rainn.org/
1.800.656.HOPE (656-4673)
THE TREVOR PROJECT
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
1.866.4.U.TREVOR (488-7386)
VETERANS CRISIS LINE
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
1.800.273.TALK (273-8255)
SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/
1-800-662-4357
TRANS LIFELINE
https://translifeline.org/
(877) 565-8860
Finding Longer Term Help
You are never alone in the journey to being mentally and emotionally healthy.
In addition to the resources listed above, Mental-health professionals can help us with a wide variety of conditions ranging from relationship issues and career counseling, to major life transitions. Having the help of a professional can help you better understand and prepare for the challenges you face.
Here are some tips for finding a counselor who can help you with longer-term help:
- Consult your provider directory
- Ask someone you trust for a referral
- Use an online database (such as American Psychological Association, or the Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists)
- Explore local resources (for example: If you’re a student, your school might provide access to a counseling center.)
- Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern (such as National Eating Disorders Association, or Anxiety and Depression Association of America)
- Try an online therapy app (such as Talkspace and Betterhelp)
If you need immediate help, dial 911 or present at your local emergency room. Both are great resources in times of crisis.
Crush Stigma
The fact of the matter is, you’ve made it this far. And that is amazing. You are WAY stronger and more powerful than you may realize. Let’s continue to share our strength with each other. Let’s continue to work together to crush the stigma of mental illness and walk forward together towards better overall health.
Contact UsagiMed
If you feel you need help finding help, UsagiMed will always encourage you to seek the therapeutic services of a licensed mental-health professional. We are here to listen. Feel free to drop us a question and we will answer you.