Supporting Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to prioritizing our wellbeing and promoting open conversations about mental health. At S:US, we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our personal and professional lives. We also celebrate the resilience of people living with mental health conditions and show gratitude for mental health professionals this month, and every month.
This year’s theme, “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” reminds us that dealing with life’s pressures can be overwhelming, and everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed. Being able to maintain good mental health is essential to every individual’s overall health and wellbeing. Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable. One in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.
Together, we can overcome mental health challenges. We can support each other, listen, and uplift each other. We can bring our voices together to advocate for mental health and access to care. The more we talk about mental health, the less stigma surrounds it. As a community, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help:
Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.
Mental Health Screening: Online screening at Mental Health America is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. The screenings are free, confidential, and scientifically validated.
NYC 988: NYC 988 is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365, from your phone, tablet, or computer.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in distress. Call 988 to be connected with a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors who speak Spanish are available by calling 988 and pressing 2.
Texting the 988 Lifeline: When you text 988, you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in a crisis center who will answer the text, provide support, and share resources if needed.
BlackLine: BlackLine provides a space for peer support and counseling, while witnessing and affirming the lived experiences of folx who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black femme lens. Call 1-800-604- 5841. Note: This resource is divested from the police.
Caregiver Help Desk: Contact Caregiver Action Network’s Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640. Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges. Caregiving experts are available 8 am-7 pm EST.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: If you or a child you know is being hurt or doesn’t feel safe at home, you can call or text 1-800-4-ACHILD (1-800-422-4453) or start an online chat at childhelp.org to reach a crisis counselor. They can help you figure out next steps to work through what is happening and stay safe.
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741 to be connected with a crisis counselor who will help you get through your big emotions.
Disaster Distress Helpline: A crisis line that individuals can contact when natural or man-made traumatic events occur, such as floods, earthquakes, and terrorist acts. The Helpline will provide information, support, and counseling. Call 1-800-985-5990.
Domestic Violence Hotline: If you’re experiencing domestic violence, looking for resources or information, or are questioning unhealthy aspects of your relationship, call 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org to virtually chat with an advocate.
NAMI Helpline: A free, nationwide peer support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), weekdays from 10 am-10 pm EST.
Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673). Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.
StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-762-8483. The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 am- 10 pm CST.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to youth in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe, judgment-free person to talk to. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or start an online chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help.
Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860. Trans Lifeline’s hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Open 24/7, call 1-800-273-8255.
Warmlines: Warmlines are staffed by trained peers who have been through their own mental health struggles and know what it’s like to need someone to talk to.