Crisis Resources

Emergency mental health resources and immediate support for those in crisis

🚨 Crisis Resources - Immediate Help

If you’re in immediate danger, please call emergency services (911, 999, 112) or go to your nearest emergency room.

24/7 Crisis Hotlines

United States

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • LGBTQ+ National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564

International

Specialized Support

  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 (US), 877-330-6366 (Canada)
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (mental health and substance abuse)
  • National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237

Online Crisis Support

Immediate Coping Strategies

For Overwhelming Emotions

  1. Breathe deeply - 4 counts in, hold for 4, out for 6
  2. Ground yourself - Name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you touch, 2 you smell, 1 you taste
  3. Use ice - Hold ice cubes or splash cold water on your face
  4. Call someone - Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or crisis line

For Panic or Anxiety

  1. Box breathing - 4-4-4-4 pattern
  2. Progressive muscle relaxation - Tense and release muscle groups
  3. Use your senses - Focus on immediate sensory experiences
  4. Remind yourself - “This feeling will pass. I am safe right now.”

For Depression or Suicidal Thoughts

  1. Reach out immediately - Call 988 or text HOME to 741741
  2. Remove means - Put distance between yourself and any methods of harm
  3. Go somewhere safe - Be around other people if possible
  4. Focus on “right now” - You only need to get through the next moment, then the next

Safety Planning

Create Your Crisis Plan

  1. Warning signs - What tells you a crisis might be coming?
  2. Internal coping strategies - What helps you feel better?
  3. People to contact - Who can you call for support?
  4. Professional contacts - Therapist, doctor, crisis services
  5. Safe environment - Remove or secure means of self-harm
  6. Reasons for living - What keeps you going?

Emergency Contacts Template

Save these in your phone:

  • Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • Crisis Text: 741741
  • Your therapist: ___________
  • Trusted friend/family: ___________
  • Emergency contact: ___________

For Partners and Loved Ones

If Someone Tells You They’re Suicidal

  1. Take it seriously - Don’t assume they’re “just talking”
  2. Listen without judgment - Let them express their feelings
  3. Ask directly - “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
  4. Help them connect - Assist them in calling 988 or emergency services
  5. Stay with them - Don’t leave them alone if possible
  6. Remove means - Help secure anything they could use to hurt themselves

Warning Signs to Watch For

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
  • Looking for ways to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Taking risks that could lead to death
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Saying goodbye to loved ones
  • Putting affairs in order

Professional Resources

Find a Therapist

  • Psychology Today: Search by location, insurance, specialties
  • Open Path Collective: Affordable therapy ($30-80/session)
  • BetterHelp: Online therapy platform
  • Talkspace: Text-based therapy
  • SAMHSA Treatment Locator: Government resource for mental health services

Specialized Treatment

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Excellent for emotional regulation
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helpful for depression and anxiety
  • EMDR: Effective for trauma and PTSD
  • Neurodivergent-affirming therapists: Specialists who understand ADHD, autism, etc.

Remember

  • You are not alone - Millions of people struggle with mental health
  • This is temporary - Crisis feelings will pass with proper support
  • Help is available - There are people trained to help you right now
  • You matter - Your life has value and meaning
  • Recovery is possible - With support, things can and do get better

Disclaimer: This page provides general crisis resources and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions about your mental health.

Last updated: {{ .Date.Format “January 2, 2006” }}