Due to recent events within our country, and also due to the fact that one of the most stressful times of the year is almost upon us I wanted to take some time this week to highlight some important places on the internet that people can receive mental health support. Here are six online and texting based mental health resources that you can turn to in times of need.
1. www.7cups.com Seven Cups of Tea
This is an online chat service with trained volunteers to help those experiencing mental health struggles. It is good for someone who needs someone to talk situations through with them. This service is free and confidential. It is not directed at any specific group of people. It cannot help those who may be a threat to themselves or others.
2. www.thetrevorproject.org The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is an organization aimed at equality and assistance for the LGBTQ community. They offer online assistance from trained volunteers through their service called Trevor Chat. They also operate a 24-7 crisis hotline that can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. The Trevor Project also has online materials relating to the LGBTQ community and also operates a social media site known as Trevor space for LGBTQ youth.
3. www.psychcentral.com PsychCentral
This website includes many helpful resources relating to mental health. They have information on different disorders and treatments, forums to discuss conditions and treatment, helpful self-screening tools, and a service where members can submit questions to be answered by licensed mental health professionals. This site is also linked with a community for those with neurological conditions.
4. www.crisistextline.org Crisis Texting
This is a texting based free help service for those experiencing struggles. Users can discuss any sort of mental health problem they may be experiencing. This service is run by a system of trained professionals and trained volunteer counselors. It can be reached by texting 741741 from anywhere within the U.S. 24-7. Their website also features a list of problem specific hotlines such as those for domestic violence, runaways, and eating disorders.
5. www.ulifeline.org LIFELINE
This is a site specifically for college students. It contains resources for medication information, information on specific conditions, and self-evaluation tools. It also can link students to their respective college’s counseling center.
6. www.mentalhealthamerica.net Mental Health America
This is a resource with many different types of information on conditions, research, and treatment. There are articles specifically for college students about self-care and tackling common college struggles. There is also information about how to find help locally, nationally, and online.
If you are currently in crisis or are a danger to yourself or others, call 911 for assistance or go to your local emergency room.
