I recently gave a presentation to teenagers about the growing mental health crisis that has been growing, in particular during the isolation in Covid-19.
One of the things I shared was having resources at the tip of your fingers. You may not be a professional mental health counselor, but you will likely meet encounter a friend who is experiencing a mental crisis. There are many resources you can call upon to get the support you may be looking for. Here is a shortlist from C|NET.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline -- 1-800-273-8255
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline fields calls 24/7 for anyone with suicidal thoughts or who are in crisis. They offer help for Spanish-speakers and anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Crisis Text Line -- Text Hello to 741741
isis Text Line fields messages about suicidal thoughts, abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, bullying and more. What makes it unique is that it's entirely text-based, which makes it easy for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable or safe talking on the phone to use it. You can text 741741 in the US or UK (686868 in Canada).
YouthLine -- Text teen2teen to 839863, or call 1-877-968-8491
YouthLine provides a safe space for children and adults ages 11 to 21, to talk through any issues they may be facing, including eating disorders, relationship or family concerns, bullying, sexual identity, depression, self-harm, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline -- 1-800-422-4453
For issues related to child abuse, Childhelp connects you with a professional counselors to help in a crisis, and provide information on how to get help. They offer phone support in 170 languages.
RAINN -- 1-800-656-4673
RAINN's (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) hotline is for anyone who's experienced sexual abuse or assault.
Trans Lifeline -- 1-877-565-8860
The Trans Lifeline provides support specifically for transgender and questioning callers, run trans people. They provide support during a crisis and can also offer guidance to anyone who is questioning their gender and needs support.
A few other LGBTQIA helplines that offer support, but not necessarily crisis intervention:
LGBT National Hotline -- 1-888-843-4564
LGBT National Youth Talkline -- 1-800-246-7743
LGBT Senior Hotline -- 1-888-234-7243
This list came courtesy of C|NET