Many Tools Exist to Help Support Mental Health
May is Mental Health Month and Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc. is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging members of the community to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being.
Did you know that people with substance use disorders are at particular risk for developing one or more primary conditions or chronic diseases. The coexistence of both a mental health condition and substance use disorder is known as a co-occurring disorder, and is common among people in treatment. The most common mental health conditions include: Anxiety and mood disorders, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Major depressive disorder, Conduct disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder, and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (SAMHSA).
This May, Gateway will focus their efforts on helping members of the community to:
LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
ADVOCATE to improve mental health for themselves, the ones they love, and their community.
Mental Health America has created a toolkit to help individuals figure out where to start. The toolkit provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health. Go to mhanational.org/may or scan the QR code to learn more.
It’s important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis.
Here are some great 24/7 TOOLS to support you on your mental health journey:
MHA Screening: Online screening at mhascreening.org is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Our screens are free, confidential, and scientifically validated.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in distress – you don’t need to be suicidal to reach out. 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.
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741 to be connected with a crisis counselor who will help you get through your big emotions.
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. For more information on warmlines, visit screening.mhanational.org/content/need-talk-someone-warmlines
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 a.m. – 7 p.m. 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.
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 a.m. - 10 p.m. EST.
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 a.m. - 10 p.m. 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: Dial 877-565-8860 for U.S. support and 877-330-6366 in Canada. 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.
If you are unsure of where to start, you can find resources on our website at www.gateway to prevention.org, reach out on social media, or contact us at 273-1170 x0. Gateway would be honored to walk alongside you.
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