Mental Health

by | Oct 30, 2017 | Articles

Mental Health: Take Care of You

Some seasons are harder than others. I’ve watched friends, readers, and the authors I work with go through tough stretches. Taking care of your mental and physical health matters more than any new release schedule.

Books can be a wonderful escape, but they’re not a substitute for real support. If you’re struggling, please reach out. The resources below are available right now.

United States

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988. Available 24/7. Chat at 988lifeline.org.
  • Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741. Available 24/7.
  • NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, or email helpline@nami.org. Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm ET. More information at nami.org.
  • Veterans Crisis Line. Dial 988, then press 1. Or text 838255.
  • SAMHSA National Helpline. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance-use concerns.

Canada

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Call or text 988. Available 24/7 in English and French.
  • Talk Suicide Canada. Call 1-833-456-4566. Available 24/7.
  • Kids Help Phone. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. For people under 20.

United Kingdom

  • Samaritans. Call 116 123. Available 24/7. Email jo@samaritans.org.
  • Shout Crisis Text Line. Text SHOUT to 85258. Available 24/7.
  • Mind. Information and support: 0300 123 3393. Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. mind.org.uk.

Ireland

  • Samaritans Ireland. Call 116 123. Available 24/7.
  • Pieta House. Call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444. Available 24/7.
  • Text About It (Text 50808). Text HELLO to 50808. Available 24/7.

Australia

  • Lifeline Australia. Call 13 11 14. Text 0477 13 11 14. Available 24/7.
  • Beyond Blue. Call 1300 22 4636. Available 24/7. beyondblue.org.au.
  • 13YARN. Call 13 92 76. 24/7 support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Kids Helpline. Call 1800 55 1800. For people aged 5 to 25.

New Zealand

  • 1737, Need to Talk? Call or text 1737. Available 24/7.
  • Lifeline Aotearoa. Call 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357. Available 24/7.

South Africa

  • SADAG Suicide Crisis Line. Call 0800 567 567. Available 24/7.
  • Lifeline South Africa. Call 0861 322 322. Available 24/7.

Anywhere Else

If your country is not listed above, please contact your local emergency services or visit one of these international directories to find a crisis line in your country:

Whatever you’re carrying right now, you don’t have to carry it alone. Be kind to yourself.