Over 65 million Americans alone suffer from mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying and suicidal thoughts. One amazing organization, Crisis Text Line, has set out to beat the odds and help those who are suffering. They provide 24/7 support through their texting service. To receive help, all one has to do is text START to 741-741 to begin talking to a trained Crisis Counselor. These counselors are volunteers trained specifically for working for the Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line also say that their first priority is "helping people move from a hot moment to a cool calm, guiding you to create a plan to stay safe and healthy." All personal information sent to Crisis Text Line is completely confidential and will NEVER be shared.
Crisis Text Line has also partnered up with Humble Bumble and Revelmode to make donating and helping those who suffer from mental illness a lot more fun. Right now, on their website you can donate any amount you want and receive games like Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball, Nidhogg or Choice Chamber completely free. Those who donate more than $7.25 can choose between popular games such as Golf With Your Friends, Skullgirls, Spelunky and Roguelands for free as well. If you were to decide to donate more than $15, you could receive the critically acclaimed Rocket League, free to download. So not only can people donate to help support the Crisis Text Line, they can have fun doing it as well. These games are downloadable through the platform Steam. If you would like to donate and get started playing these great games, please visit their website here and get started. If you would prefer to donate without receiving the game, you can do so here.
With the growing demand and awareness of the Crisis Text Line, comes the increased need for volunteer counselors. Counselors are given the adequate and exact training needed to preform their task of providing counseling and support to those who text the helpline. To become a volunteer, all one needs to do is fill out an application, agree to a background check, complete the online training, and start saving lives. If you. or someone you know, is interested in becoming a volunteer counselor for the Crisis Text Line, please visit their website here for more information on how to apply.
With the ever growing amount of people who suffer from mental illness, organizations like Crisis Text Line can be absolutely life changing, if not saving, to those who use the free service. If you're interested in learning more before you donate or before you text for help, please visit their website FAQ. In the mean time, have fun gaming for a great cause.
