It's OK not to be OK--and you don't have to go through this alone. Call any of these free numbers for support from trained individuals, or simply for someone to talk to.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
~Serves a general audience~
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
988 or 1-800-273-8255
Or text: 301-738-2255
Or chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat
211 Health Check
~For Maryland residents~
This new service provides emergency mental health care as well as free, confidential weekly mental health check-ins with a person who cares.
- Dial 211 and press 1 for always-on-call suicide prevention, substance use intervention, and mental health emergencies. Or text your zip code to 898-211 or chat.
- Dial 211 to set up free weekly check-ins.
https://211md.org/healthcheck
Text and chat options are available at the top of the web page linked immediately above.
This site also links to Maryland MindHealth, a source for inspiring text messages. From Maryland MindHealth, you can also talk to a live professional and/or join a support community.
Suicide Prevention in College
~For college students~
A Valuable Resource Guide on Emergency Assistance, Warning Signs & Prevention of Suicide in College Students
https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/college-suicide-prevention
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Institute on Aging - Friendship Line
~For the elderly~
The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. The Institute also makes on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults.
https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line
1-800-971-0016
The Trevor Project
~For LGBT youth~
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award-winning short film "Trevor," the Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386
Text and chat options: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now
LGBT National Hotline
~For LGBT folks, regardless of age~
The Hotline provides a safe space that is anonymous and confidential where callers can speak on many different issues and concerns including, but not limited to, coming-out issues, gender and/or sexuality identities, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, suicide, and much more.
https://www.glbthotline.org/national-hotline.html
1-888-843-4564
Peer support chat: https://www.glbthotline.org/peer-chat.html
US Dep't of Health & Human Services - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
~For people struggling with substance abuse and mental health~
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
