I’m not yet a mental health professional, these are tips I’ve picked up along the way as a Crisis Counselor Volunteer and Therapy Graduate Student.

The first thing I want you to know is this: if a friend or family member mentions having thoughts around “ending it,” “taking their life,” “killing their self” or anything else regarding suicide to you - please know that you are a good friend.
It takes a lot of courage for someone to say those things out loud.

One of the most important things that you can do if someone you care about talks about suicide is to remain calm and just listen. They need you to encourage them to talk and then they need you to listen carefully.

+ Don’t be afraid to use direct language. Contrary to popular belief, using words like "suicide", “are you thinking of killing yourself?", and "dead” aren’t going to put those ideas in their head.

+ Just listen to them. Don’t judge. Don’t argue, and don’t list out all the reasons they should stay here. Just listen.

+ Don’t invalidate their pain. It’s simply not true that everyone who mentions suicide is doing it for attention. Never assume someone is seeking attention when they talk about suicide. Don’t say things like “why would you want to do that?”

Be Clear & Get Answers to Better Help Them

If they’ve mentioned things that make you think they are having suicidal thoughts, (Things like: “I’m just a burden on everyone.” “The world would be better off without me.” “I just want this pain to stop.”) ask questions in order to assess the situation.

First, verify they are thinking of suicide by using direct language we talked about earlier, “Are you thinking about ending your life?”

If they say yes encourage them to reach out to Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 or encourage them to call the suicide hotline at 800-273-8255.

If you feel they need immediate help, please call 911.

We can’t force people to see a therapist, but listening to them without judgment, and encouraging them to text or call for help is the easiest way to be there for them. Reassure them that you’re there to listen, but that it also might be helpful to reach out to these sources. When people are going through heavy emotions and life situations, it isn’t always easy to reach out for help.

If you need help while helping a friend or family member through tough situations, you can also text “HOME” to 741741 and a Crisis Counselor can walk you through how to help.

I want you to remember, you are strong and courageous. You are trustworthy, and loyal and I know you are a supportive friend. After you’ve had tough conversations like this, it’s important to take care of yourself too. Go for a walk, do some yoga, listen to your favorite music, or do whatever form of self-care you prefer. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Resources to Share

Veterans Crisis Line
Send a text to 838255

Vets4Warriors

The Recovery Village
877.878.3201

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Hotline (Substance Abuse)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474

The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386

The Rehab Spot
(833) 382-0935

Does your world feel a little bit wrong-side-up? There is absolutely no shame in seeking help, but it can be challenging to find the perfect outlet. I've rounded up some of my favorite, free, mental health resources, in case you need a little extra support right now. Find the Ultime Mental Health Resource Roundup for Help Now below.

These links are in no way, shape, or form meant to take place of talking to your doctor or seeing a therapist. It's time to end the stigma around mental health. Our bodies are complex, made by a divinely creative Creator. There is no shame in speaking to a therapist or taking medication. We take medicine for other organs in our body, our brain is just another complex, multifaceted part of our body. You are not alone.

Mental Health Resource Roundup

Anxiety/Depression

Anxiety: For example, you'll find mindfulness, meditation, guided breathing on this app for when you’re working through anxiety. www.my.life

Anxiety/Depression: Dartmouth Recordings, guided exercises for deep breathing and meditation. https://students.dartmouth.edu/wellness-center/wellness-mindfulness/mindfulness-meditation/guided-audio-recordings

Anxiety, Depression/General: Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. This is free, 24/7 support - through text. I personally know how hard it can be to talk on the phone or even in person. Texting takes so much of the anxiety out of getting help.

BIPOC

BIPOC: A 24/7 crisis hotline that prioritizes BIPOC. You can call them (800)-604-5841 OR text. www.callblackline.com

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective: www.beam.community

Faith-Based

Faith-Based Help: My Quiet Cave: http://www.myquietcave.org Faith-based mental health help. "We want people everywhere to know the love and hope of Jesus in the midst of mental health struggles."

Faith-Based Help: Fresh Hope. https://www.freshhope.us/

General Help

Help/General: Search engine for free or reduced-cost things like food, medical assistance, job training, etc. www.auntbertha.com

Help/General: 211.org Service that will help connect you to help near you with essential needs, disaster assistance, crisis, and emergency, etc. Available 24/7/365.

Parental Stress

Parental Stress: Their motto is “Empowering parents to nurture children and build stronger families.” Toll-free helpline #1-800-632-8188. Great helpline for parents who are stressed out/under pressure and need someone to talk to. Available 24/7 and completely confidential. www.parentshelpingparents.org/parental-stress-line

Sexual Assault

Sexual Violence/Assault: www.metoomvmt.org A site full of resources and help for survivors of sexual violence or assault. Everything from help finding healing, legal assistance, advice for helping someone else who’s been a victim of sexual assault.

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline : Call 800- 656- 4673 to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area, or go online www.rainn.org to chat online with someone, completely confidential.

These are just a handful of research-backed mental health resources.

If you know of another resource that you think I should add, please comment below! I'd love to hear from you.

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