MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR DIFFICULT TIMES

We all go through difficult emotions from time to time, but it can be tough to navigate when you or a friend are in the thick of it. Scroll through this page to find a variety of resources, both for self-coping and supporting others. Remember, it’s okay if some days feel hard. You will get through it, and help is always available.

In partnership with: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Crisis Text Line, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, Inspiring Children Foundation, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), On Our Sleeves, Silence the Shame, The Jed Foundation, The Steve Fund, The Trevor Project, Vibrant Emotional Health

SELF-CARE & COPING SKILLS

Coping skills are tools and practices we can use to help us feel better when we are having a difficult time. There are some commonly-used coping skills, like going for a walk or writing in a journal, but it’s important to remember that different strategies work for different people. We can also feel better by incorporating self-care into our daily lives. Here are some resources for coping skills, self-care, and other forms of self-support.

MHC’S ROADMAP TO FRIENDS SUPPORTING FRIENDS

In this Roadmap to ‘Friends Supporting Friends,’ we outline ideas to make the process of checking in on your friends easier. Whether you or a friend is dealing with something difficult, support is one of the most important ways to cope.

View The Guide

HOW TO SUPPORT FRIENDS

You don’t need to be a professional to have a conversation about mental health! If you are concerned about a friend, asking them how they are doing can have a real impact. Here are some tools and resources for talking to your friends about mental health, including friends who might be in crisis. And remember: you can be a supportive friend by listening, but it’s OK to set boundaries and reach out to a trusted adult if you need help.

Crisis Text Line

In the U.S. and Canada, text COALITION to 741741, available in English & Spanish. In the UK, text 85258, and in Ireland, text 50808. Available 24/7.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call 988 to reach a local crisis center in the U.S., available 24/7.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7. Text START to 678- 678, call 1-866-488-7386, or reach out via chat.

Teen Line

Teen Line's highly trained teen listeners provide support, resources and hope. Call 800-852-8336 (6-10pm PST) or text TEEN to 839-863 (6-9pm PST) in the U.S.

IN CRISIS?

If you or a friend are in crisis, having suicidal thoughts, or just need some extra support, here are some free & confidential services that connect you with trained counselors who want to help.

MHC RESOURCE LIBRARY

Search our comprehensive Resource Library to find more mental health information, tools, support groups, and more.

GET SOCIAL

Follow along as we share additional resources across all of our social platforms.

IN AN
EMERGENCY

If you or a friend need urgent assistance, call 911 immediately, or take your friend directly to the emergency room. If you feel it’s safe, stay with your friend, or find someone to stay with them until help arrives.

Call 911

IN A
CRISIS

You are never alone. Help is always available. For immediate support 24/7, reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting COALITION to 741741, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. It’s free and it’s highly confidential, unless it’s essential to contact emergency services to keep you or your friend safe.

988

Your support matters. To show your support, please log in or create an account

Get started