⋆˚ Welcome ⋆₊⊹
⋆˚ Welcome ⋆₊⊹
For immediate crisis support, please call or text 988.
Purpose
The purpose of this website is to serve as a resourceful tool for those who may be struggling with mental health or addiction and may be seeking assistance towards recovery. Through the treatments tab, I have provided a simplified briefing of the typical treatment options available in this field. This website does not encompass all forms of recovery, but rather highlights ones I have seen become successful for peers in recovery.
Under the resources tab, there is a list of anonymous support groups, resources specific to those located in Los Angeles, and clinical treatment options. If you are an individual, support group, or center that would like your information added to this list of resources, please contact me using the information below.
Starting the conversation can be scary, here are some links that direct you to online chat rooms with mental health professionals:
Text NAMI to 62640 (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Textline)
Whether it is you, a friend or a family member who is feeling suicidal, it is always important to approach this individual with grace, patience and love. It is extremely common for individuals who are having panic attacks to begin to experience suicidal thoughts as the attack goes on, or they may have been what prompted the attack. Some individuals may mimic panic attack like behaviors, yet they may just be expressing distress from having suicidal ideation. Either way, dealing with the immediate reaction to these experiences can be handled in several ways:
Distract the senses: In some instances, we can use sensory inputs as tools to reset our nervous system. For some people, this can look like using ice on the hands or face, cold water on the face or neck, taking a shower, listening to calming or loud music to regulate, stim toys, textures (fur, leather, spiky, etc.).
Grounding: We can use grounding techniques in an effort to remind the individual that they are sfae, here and now. Some people prefer weighted blankets, deep pressure, hugs, verbal affirmations, breathing technqiues, etc.
Distract: When the individual is in a safe state to do so, using non-enabling distractions can be helpful. Going for a late night drive listening to music, watching a movie, going to the thrift store, practice a hobby, do a craft, etc.
Approaching conversations around mental illness, suicide or addiction can be uncomfortable, but they can serve as a necessary step in recovery for both the indivudal and family members.
For many years, mental illness has been stigmatized and individuals who face these struggles are burdened more when society around them constinuously chooses to misunderstand them.
In popular media, mental illness can look like a depressed indivual appearing sad or slugish, being seen as mopey or never smiling. This is far from reality- some of what it seems like are the happiest indivuals, can hold the darkest pain.
Talking about our mental health is importnat becuase it allows us the opportunity to normalize a space where these indivuals feel comfortable speaking up on what is going on inside.
Conversations about mental health do not always need a professional. Although at times it may be necessary, you can learn tools to better address concerns regardiing your loved ones that do not make them feel singled out.
It is important to keep an open mind, understand that this indivual's perception differs greatly from your own, and try your best to understand their pain from a non bias lense. In many cases, individuals report not feeling comfortable sharing suicial thoughts with family members ebcuase they know it will make them feel uncomfortable, scared or hurt.
If conversations of suicide can be too overhwlming for you, do not take it on, on your own as this can cause more emotional distress for both parties. Consulting a medical professional, counselor, or an online resource forum would be a helpful course of action. Educational resources can help you find more peace of mind.