May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our nation’s physical and mental health, with many of us experiencing grief, anxiety and even depression.
We’ve lost jobs and loved ones. We’ve modified our day-to-day environments, transforming our homes into offices and schools. We’ve used so much soap and sanitizer that our hands are drier than the Sahara Desert. And we may even mourn our bygone lives.
Now more than ever, we need to find ways to maintain self-care and stay connected to our community. If you or someone you know has concerns about their mental health, please use the resources* below to find help. You are not alone.
911 – If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – This confidential crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and connects callers to crisis counseling and mental health referrals. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have hearing loss can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
Crisis Text Line – Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the hotline connects texters with a crisis counselor. Text “HELLO” to 741741.
Disaster Distress Helpline – Also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) HelpLine – This service provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Physicians and counselors can also provide treatment in person, through telemedicine (using a phone or computer) or a combination of the two. NAMI shares these valuable tips on finding mental health care that fits your cultural background.
To learn more about the prevalence of mental illness, please read the infographic below.
* Please note resources listed on this page are for informational purposes only and do not represent an endorsement by Simply Kashonna.