Mental Health and Crisis Resource Packet

Quick Reference, Support Services, and Self-Help Tools

Table of Contents: 

1. Hotlines + Emergency Support

   1. Emergency & Crisis 24/7 National Support

   2. Urgent But Not Always 24/7

   3. Ongoing and Preventative Support Resources

2. Additional Resources

   1. Find Help

      1. Where to start when you need help?

      2. Who is the right health professional for me?

      3. Self help and coping tools

   2. Warmlines

   3. Suicide prevention line

   4. Other Resources (Links)

3. Identity-Specific Tools

   1. LGBTQ+

   2. BIPOC

   3. Veterans

   4. Trauma Survivors

   5. Neurodivergent & Differently Abled

   6. Youth and Teens

Hotlines + Emergency Support

🔴 Emergency & Crisis – 24/7 Nationwide Support

These are your first-line, immediate-response hotlines. Use these if someone is in danger or needs urgent mental health intervention.

General Crisis & Suicide Prevention

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (24/7)

• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (24/7)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) | Spanish: 1-888-628-9454 | TTY: Dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)

• SAMHSA National Helpline (Mental health & substance use disorders) – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | TTY: 1-800-487-4889 (24/7)

• National Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990 (Call or text – 24/7)

Domestic & Sexual Violence (Emergency Help)

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | TTY: 1-800-787-3224 (24/7)\

  • Text Line if unsafe to talk – Text LOVEIS to 22522

• National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) (24/7)

• StrongHearts Native Helpline – 1-844-762-8483 (Daily, 7 AM – 10 PM CT)

• National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline – 1-866-331-9474 | Text LOVEIS to 22522 (24/7)

For Youth & Children

• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) (24/7)

• National Runaway Safeline – 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) | Text: 66008 (24/7)

• Boys and Girls Town National Abuse Hotline – 1-800-448-3000 (24/7)

Veterans, Seniors, Physicians

• Veterans Crisis Line – Dial 988, then press 1 (24/7)

• Veterans National Homeless Hotline – 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)

• Institute on Aging Friendship Line – 1-800-971-0016 (Seniors & disabled adults – 24/7)

• Physician Support Line – 1-888-409-0141 (8 AM – 1 AM ET daily)

Substance Use & Addiction

• SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7)

• National Drug Helpline (AAC) – 1-844-289-0879 (24/7)

• Addiction Helpline (General) – 1-855-378-4373 (24/7)

🟠 Urgent But Not Always 24/7

These are for pressing but non-life-threatening needs or population-specific support. Hours may vary.

LGBTQ+ Support

• Trevor Project (Youth) – 1-866-488-7386 | Text START to 678678 (24/7)

• Trans Lifeline – 1-877-565-8860 (10 AM – 4 AM EST; volunteers may be available outside hours)

• LGBT National Hotline – 1-888-843-4564 (M–F: 11 AM–8 PM PT; Sat: 9 AM–2 PM PT)

  • Senior Hotline: (888) 234-7243

  • Coming Out Support Hotline: (888) 688-5428

• LGBT National Youth Talkline – 1-800-246-7743

• SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline – 1-877-360-LGBT (5428) (24/7)

• Desi LGBTQ Helpline (South Asians) – 1-908-367-3374 (Thurs & Sun, 8–10 PM EST)

• FORGE – 414-559-2123 (Voicemail; not emergency support)

Specialized Crisis Support

• Blackline – 1-800-604-5841 (24/7 crisis and reporting for Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, Muslim communities)

• Black Mental Health Alliance – (410) 338-2642

• Love is Respect (Teens & Dating) – 1-866-331-9474 | Text LOVEIS to 22522

• National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline – Video Phone: 1-855-812-1001 | IM: DeafHotline | Email: NationalDeafHotline@adwas.org 

🟡 Ongoing & Preventative Support Resources

For long-term needs, guidance, connection to local services, and identity-specific care.

Housing, Legal, Financial, Food, Caregiving

• Essential Community Services – Dial 2-1-1 (24/7)

• Emergency Foodline – 1-866-888-8777

• National Center for Victims of Crime – 1-866-689-4357

• Victim Connect Resource Center – 1-855-484-2846

• Identity Theft Resource Center – 1-888-400-5530

• Caregiving challenges – 855-227-3640. 8AM -7PM ET

Mental Health & Therapy Support

• NAMI HelpLine – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | Text “HelpLine” to 62640 (Mon–Fri, 10 AM – 10 PM ET)

• ANAD Eating Disorder Helpline – 630-577-1330 (Callback within 24 hrs)

• Black Mental Health Alliance – 410-338-2642

• Al-Anon (Families of Alcoholics) – 1-800-344-2666

Psychedelic Harm Reduction

• Fireside Project (Psychedelic Peer Support) – 1-623-473-7433 | Thurs–Sun: 3 PM – 3 AM PST; Mon: 3 PM – 7 PM PST

Youth & Children Support

• Children of the Night (Sex Trafficking Support) – 1-800-551-1300 x0 (24/7 case management)

• Teen Lifeline – 1-800-248-TEEN | http://www.teenlifeline.org/

Elder Support

• National Center on Elder Abuse – 1-855-500-3537

Additional Resources

Find Help

Ask for Referrals

Start by asking trusted people like your primary care doctor, spiritual advisor, local Mental Health America (MHA) office, or a crisis center. They may offer services directly or help you connect with someone who does. It’s a good idea to get multiple names so you can find the best fit for your needs.

Check with Your Insurance

Your health insurance provider can give you a list of in-network therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.

US Veterans’ Mental Health Services

If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for mental health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Learn more: www.va.gov/health

• Call: 1-877-222-8387

• Already enrolled? Find your local VA facility here: www.va.gov/directory

Low-Cost & Sliding Scale Services

You can access affordable care through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

• Visit: www.samhsa.gov/treatment

• Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  
  

Also check with your local health department or community mental health center, which may offer services on a sliding scale based on income. These are often state-funded and prioritize those who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Through Your Employer

Many workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides referrals and free short-term counseling. Contact your HR department for details.

Medicare

If you're on Medicare, you can search for participating providers at:

• www.medicare.gov (Click on “Find doctors & other health professionals”)

Medicaid

To find Medicaid-approved providers, visit your state’s Medicaid site here:

• www.benefits.gov (Click on your state’s name)

Where to Start When You Need Help

Where you turn for support will depend on who needs help (child or adult) and the type of mental health concern involved. A good first step is often your local Mental Health Association.

Additional Resources You Can Reach Out To:

• Local Health Department – Mental Health Division
  These programs are often state-funded and serve people who qualify as a “priority population” under state guidelines.
  Note: There may be waiting lists and limited availability, depending on the area.
  
  

• Other Mental Health Nonprofits
  Many independent and national mental health organizations can connect you to support and services.
  
  

• Primary Care Doctor
  Your family physician can help identify mental health concerns and refer you to specialists.
  
  

• Faith-Based Leaders
  Clergy members often provide counseling or referrals to mental health professionals.
  
  

• Community-Based Family Services
  Examples include:

  • Catholic Charities

  • Family Services Agencies

  • Jewish Social Services
    These groups may offer therapy, case management, and support for families.
    
    

• School & Education Professionals
  
  

  • School counselors or educational consultants

  • Child guidance counselors
    These professionals specialize in addressing the needs of children and teens.
    
    

• Marriage & Family Therapists
  For relationship or family-related issues, licensed MFTs can offer support.
  
  

• Accredited Psychiatric Hospitals
  Look for facilities accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
  
  

• Crisis Resources
  In urgent situations, contact:

  • Hotlines and warmlines

  • Crisis centers

  • Emergency rooms

  • Or call 411 to ask for local mental health assistance

Who is the Right Health Professional for Me?

Understanding the different types of professionals can help you find the right support for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common roles:

Medical Professionals

• Psychiatrist
  A licensed medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and may also provide therapy.
  
  

• Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
  A psychiatrist with specialized training in working with children and teens, focusing on emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues.

Therapists & Counselors

• Psychologist (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
  A mental health professional with a doctoral degree in psychology. They are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide individual and group therapy. Their education includes a year-long internship and supervised experience.
  
  

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  Holds a master’s degree in social work and is trained to assess, diagnose, and counsel individuals or groups. They often assist with case management and connecting clients to services.
  
  

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  A counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, trained to provide diagnosis and therapy for individuals and groups.
  
  

• Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  A counselor with a master’s degree and several years of supervised clinical experience, trained to provide therapy and mental health diagnoses.

Specialized Support

• Substance Abuse Counselor (CADC or similar)
  Specializes in alcohol and drug-related treatment, with clinical training focused on addiction recovery, often providing both individual and group counseling.
  
  

• Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
  Holds a master’s degree and is specifically trained to address issues in relationships, couples, and family dynamics.
  
  

• Pastoral Counselor
  A clergy member trained in clinical pastoral education, offering spiritual and emotional counseling. Often combines religious or spiritual guidance with talk therapy.

Self-Help & Coping Tools

Quick ways to care for your mind, body, and emotions

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. Here’s a guide to grounding, regulating, and supporting yourself — in real-time, and over the long run.

1. Regulate in the Moment

For when you're overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in your head:

Grounding:

Get back into your body and the present.

• 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.

• Cold Reset: Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube. Activates your vagus nerve to calm the nervous system.

• Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 4 times.
  
  

2. Reframe Your Thoughts

For intrusive thoughts, spirals, or self-criticism:

Write down your unhelpful thought → Ask:

• Is this 100% true?

• What would I say to a friend who thought this?

• Is there a gentler way to see this?

Thought Sorting:

Use this quick mental filter:

• Fact or Feeling?

• Helpful or Harmful?

• Now or Not now?

3. Build a Self-Soothing Kit

Create a box, folder, or notes app filled with things that bring you back to center:

• A calming scent (lavender, eucalyptus)

• A smooth rock or fidget toy

• Printed affirmations

• Snacks or warm tea

• Coloring pages or soft fabric

• Voice memos from loved ones

• A photo that makes you feel safe

Distraction Bank:

Not avoidance — just space to reset.

• Make a “calm” playlist

• Watch something comforting (a show you've seen 10 times counts!)

• Fold laundry, reorganize a drawer, or doodle

• Scroll through favorite photos or affirmations folder

4. Talk It Out – With Yourself or Others

Journaling Prompts:

• What’s on my mind right now?

• What do I need?

• What emotion is strongest? Why might that be?

• What’s one small thing I can do today to support myself?

Connect:

• Text or call a friend

• Join a support group (try NAMI, Reddit, or Discord servers)

• Talk to a warmline (non-crisis support lines)

5. Apps & Tools that Actually Help

• Insight Timer – free guided meditations and sleep sounds

• Moodpath / MindDoc – tracks mood and gives mental health tips

• Sanvello – CBT-based tools + daily check-ins

• Daily Bean – simple mood journaling app

• Shine – mental health support for BIPOC communities

• Youper – AI journal and emotional health check-ins

6. Create a Personal Crisis Plan

For when you know things could spiral but want to be prepared.

Fill out ahead of time:

• Warning signs I need help: (e.g. not eating, isolating, panic attacks)

• Who I can call: (names, numbers)

• Places I feel safe:

• Things that help me feel better:

• Emergency hotlines: (Include your 988, warmline, and local resources)

Warmlines: 

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to about what you're going through. While it's great to turn to a friend or family member, that’s not always an option. That’s where warmlines come in.

A warmline is a phone number you can call to talk with someone who understands what it’s like to face mental health challenges. These lines are staffed by trained peers who have had similar experiences and are there to offer support and a listening ear—whether you’re having a tough day or feeling overwhelmed.

Unlike crisis hotlines, which are focused on urgent safety and emergency intervention, warmlines offer a more casual, supportive space. They're free, confidential, and open to anyone who just needs to talk. And if you are in crisis, a warmline can still help—by guiding you toward the right resources or helping you feel ready to take the next step.

Before calling

A lot of states have warmlines. If your state doesn't have a warmline, many warmlines accept calls from all over the country. Many warmlines are available 24/7, but some are only open at certain times of the day / on certain days. While you can hold a conversation for as long as you’d like for some warmlines, other have time limits on how long you can have a conversation (it is usually announced to you how long you have either during or before the call). 

Here is a directory where you can search for various warmlines: We're all EARS | WARMLINE.ORG

Connecticut Warmline (Supports out of state callers as well Lang: English): 203-732-2004

Connecticut – Ansonia – Community Warmline (BHCare) - Warmline.org

https://www.bhcare.org/services/support-services/ 

Connecticut Warmline 2 (NO out of state Lang: English, Spanish) : 877-552-8247- Select Prompts 1 & 3 Para español, seleccione el numero 2 & 2 or 711 for Relay Services https://s18637.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/Warm-Line-English-Spanish.pdf

Another warmline directory: Warmline-Directory-as-of-July-15-2025.pdf

Suicide prevention line (What do you need to know)

1. Free & Confidential

Opening up about your mental health can feel deeply vulnerable—but calling the Lifeline is completely free and anonymous. You don’t have to share your name, and you can talk as much or as little as you want in a safe, judgment-free space.

2. Offered in 150+ Languages

Language shouldn't be a barrier to getting help. When you call 988, you can be connected to an interpreter who speaks your language. There’s also a dedicated Spanish-language line at 1-888-628-9454.

3. Call or Chat—Whatever Feels Right

Talking out loud can be intimidating. That’s why you can either call or use the Lifeline’s chat service—whichever feels more comfortable for you at the moment.

4. Not Just for Suicide

You don't have to be experiencing suicidal thoughts to call. Whether you’re going through grief, a breakup, trauma, or anything that feels too heavy to carry alone—988 is there for any serious emotional crisis. (Need lower-stakes support? Try a WARMLINE!)

You Call 988, You’re Redirected Locally (local crisis center), You Speak with a Trained Counselor, You Control the Conversation, You Can Build a Safety Plan (If Needed), Police Involvement Is Rare. 

LGBTQ+ Support & Mental Health Care

“You are not alone. You are not broken. You are loved.”

Being LGBTQ+ means navigating a world that hasn’t always learned how to love fully or listen gently. Whether you’re out or not, questioning or certain, proud or processing — know that millions of people are walking this road with you. Mental health struggles are common in LGBTQ+ communities, but healing is possible, and you deserve support that sees all of you.

• More than 50% of LGBTQ+ youth reported poor mental health most of the time in the past year.

• Transgender individuals are 4x more likely to experience depression than the general population.

• Having just one accepting adult cuts the risk of suicide in LGBTQ+ youth by 40%.

These numbers reflect pain — but they also reflect how many people are in this fight with you, working every day to build something better.

Coping Tools for You

• Safe Identity Check-ins: Take 5 quiet minutes daily to ground yourself in who you are without judgment. Say your name. Reflect on your strengths.

• Affirmation Practices: Write out or repeat phrases like “My identity is real,” “My voice matters,” “I am safe in my truth.”

• Support Squad List: Write down 3 people or spaces (online or offline) where you feel seen. Keep it handy for tough moments.

• Creative Expression: Art, poetry, music, even changing your style or decorating your space — these are valid ways to affirm your truth.

🧡 You Deserve Safe Support

You are not the only one. Many LGBTQ+ people — peers, elders, even therapists — are building systems of care with people like you in mind. That means these resources were created or are run by LGBTQ+ individuals or allies who get it.

• 🌐 The Trevor Project | 24/7 chat, text & phone crisis support from LGBTQ+ trained staff

• 📱 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 | Peer support by trans people, for trans people

• 💬 Q Chat Space | LGBTQ+ youth chat groups led by trained facilitators

• 🏠 Local LGBTQ+ centers often have peer groups and affirming mental health services — search CenterLink Directory
  
  

Mental Health Support for BIPOC Communities

You are not alone.

In a world where systemic inequality, racial trauma, and cultural stigma still weigh heavily, many BIPOC individuals face unique challenges when seeking mental health support. These struggles are real — and so is your strength. Mental health isn't a luxury; it's a right. Healing in community, within culture, and with dignity is possible and powerful.

• Asian Americans are 3 times less likely to seek mental health services than their white counterparts.

• Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress than white adults, yet less likely to receive care.

• Latine communities often face language and immigration-related barriers to mental healthcare access.

• Indigenous populations have the highest suicide rates of any racial group in the U.S. — and the least access to culturally competent care.
  (Source: Mental Health America, NAMI, CDC)

These statistics are not meant to discourage — but to affirm: if you are struggling, it is not your fault. There are systemic reasons for these barriers, and there is help that honors who you are.

🛠️ Culturally Relevant Coping Strategies

• Reclaim Rest: Rest is resistance. Honor your body’s need to recover from stress and trauma, especially in a world that often demands overproduction.

• Connect with Cultural Roots: Traditional music, ancestral practices, stories, and rituals can be sources of strength and grounding.

• Community Healing: Support groups, healing circles, or affinity spaces with others who share your background can be profoundly validating.

• Name It: Racial trauma is real. It’s okay to acknowledge the ways discrimination or invisibility affect your mental health.

• Use Creative Expression: Poetry, music, art, and dance can be powerful outlets for grief, rage, joy, and reflection.

Identity-Affirming Resources

• Therapy for Black Girls / Therapy for Black Men:  Directories for culturally competent therapists.
  therapyforblackgirls.com  &  therapyforblackmen.org 

• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
  nqttcn.com : Healing resources and practitioner directory for QTBIPOC.

• WeRNative:  Mental health and wellness resources for Indigenous youth.
  wernative.org 

• Inclusive Therapists: Focus on intersectional, culturally responsive therapy across all communities of color.
  inclusivetherapists.com 

You Deserve Culturally Safe Care

It’s okay to ask:
“Do you have experience working with people of my background?”
“Are you aware of how racism and intergenerational trauma might affect mental health?”

Mental healthcare should never ask you to leave your identity at the door. You are not too sensitive. You are not overreacting. You are worthy of care that sees you fully.

Mental Health Support for Veterans

You’ve served others. Now it’s time to serve yourself.

Veterans often carry invisible wounds. Whether from combat exposure, military sexual trauma, prolonged separation from loved ones, or the disorientation of re-entry into civilian life — the mental toll is real, and you are not alone.

It takes strength to seek help, not weakness. You’ve shown courage in service. You can show courage in healing.

• Over 30% of veterans report symptoms of PTSD at some point in their lives.

• Veterans die by suicide at a rate 50% higher than non-veterans.

• Only half of returning veterans who need mental health treatment receive it.
  (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Council for Mental Wellbeing)

The stigma of seeking help, concerns about fitness reports, or simply “sucking it up” keep many veterans from accessing care. You deserve better — and you are not a burden.

Grounding Coping Tools for Veterans

• Routine & Structure: You’re used to order. Create a rhythm to your day — even small habits help.

• Peer Connection: Talk to fellow vets. They get it. Shared experience breaks isolation.

• Write it Out: Journaling, even for five minutes, can help manage triggers or racing thoughts.

• Sensation Awareness: Practice grounding: hold a cold glass, feel the texture of an object, name five things you can see — anchor yourself in the present.

• Know the Triggers: Crowds, fireworks, anniversaries — anticipating triggers doesn’t mean weakness. It means control.

Resources for Veterans

• Veterans Crisis Line
  1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or text 838255
  veteranscrisisline.net
  Free, 24/7, confidential help.
  
  

• Give an Hour
  giveanhour.org
  Free mental health services from licensed professionals for veterans.
  
  

• Team RWB (Red, White & Blue)
  teamrwb.org
  Builds a veteran community through fitness, connection, and service.
  
  

• Wounded Warrior Project Talk Program
  woundedwarriorproject.org
  MH support tailored for post-9/11 veterans.
  
  

You’re Not Broken — You’re Human

It’s okay to not be okay.
It’s okay to miss who you were — and still build who you’re becoming.

The mission now is healing, and you don’t have to do it alone.

We see you. We thank you. And we’re here for you.

For Survivors of Trauma (SH, DV, CA)

You survived. That matters. You matter.

Trauma is not just something that happened to you — it’s something your body and mind remember. Whether from abuse, violence, medical trauma, neglect, accidents, or complex relational harm, the impact is valid, even if others minimize it.

You may feel hyper-alert, disconnected, ashamed, numb, angry, or exhausted. These are normal reactions to abnormal events — not personal failures.

• Up to 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event.

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report experiencing sexual or physical violence.

• People who have experienced trauma are 3x more likely to experience depression or anxiety.
  (Source: NIMH, SAMHSA)

Coping Strategies for Survivors

• Name it, Don’t Blame it: It's not your fault. Naming what happened can begin healing.

• Slow & Safe: Healing is not linear. Take small, gentle steps.

• Body-Based Tools: Try breathwork, tapping (EFT), or grounding exercises to re-regulate.

• Create a Safe Space: Visualize or build a physical space where you feel secure.

• Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to explain your trauma to deserve peace.

 Resources

• National Center for PTSD
  www.ptsd.va.gov 

• The Trauma Therapist Podcast
  Conversations with real trauma professionals.

• Pandora’s Project (Support for sexual trauma survivors)
  www.pandys.org 

• Additional contacts in the Hotlines and Emergency Support Section

Healing is not about forgetting. It’s about learning to carry the memory — without it carrying you.

For the Neurodivergent & Differently-Abled

You don’t need to be “fixed.” You need to be seen.

Being neurodivergent or differently abled means navigating a world not built for you — and that can be exhausting. Whether you are autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, living with mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, chronic illness, or invisible disabilities, your needs are real and your mind is not broken.

• 1 in 4 U.S. adults live with a disability (CDC).

• About 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent.

• Neurodivergent youth are at 2-3x higher risk for anxiety and depression.
  (Source: WHO, CDC, National Autistic Society)

 Coping Tools & Strengths

• Stimming Is Valid: Movement, fidgeting, humming — if it soothes you, it's okay.

• Use Aids Proudly: Noise-canceling headphones, visual schedules, AAC devices — tools aren't crutches; they're empowerment.

• Energy Accounting: Spoon theory? Use it. Budget your energy like gold.

• Sensory Recalibration: Weighted blankets, familiar textures, and calming scents can help reset overwhelm.

• Find Your People: Seek neurodivergent-affirming spaces. You deserve community.

Resources

• Neurodivergent Rebel Blog – Self-advocacy by and for ND folks
  www.neurodivergentrebel.com 

• Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
  awnnetwork.org 

• Crip Camp (Netflix) – Powerful documentary on disability justice

Your brain is a beautiful variation of being human. Don’t let a biased world tell you otherwise.

For Youth & Teens

You are growing — and that’s brave.

Being young isn’t easy. You’re figuring out who you are, who you want to be, and how to survive in a world that can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes cruel. Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness — they’re a sign that you are human.

Whether you’re dealing with stress, identity, trauma, pressure to succeed, or just… big feelings — you are not alone.

• 1 in 5 teens has experienced a serious mental health disorder.

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24 in the U.S.

• LGBTQ+ youth and BIPOC youth face significantly higher mental health risks due to stigma, bullying, and lack of access to affirming care.
  (Source: CDC, Trevor Project, NAMI)

Coping Tools for Young People

• Journal It: Even if it’s messy. Just get your thoughts out.

• Limit the Scroll: Take breaks from doomscrolling or toxic social media.

• Talk It Out: Friends, trusted adults, or a therapist. You deserve to be heard.

• Make an “I Survived” Playlist: Music helps.

• Make a Safety Kit: Include a grounding object, comforting quote, safe contact list, and calming activity idea.

Resources Just for You

• Teen Line
    Text “TEEN” to 839863 or call 1-800-852-8336
  Peer-to-peer support from trained teens

• The Trevor Project
  Support for LGBTQ+ youth – thetrevorproject.org

• JED Foundation
  jedfoundation.org 

• Additional Contacts on the Emergency Support and Hotlines Section

You don’t have to figure everything out today. One breath, one step at a time — that’s enough.

Other resources and Links:

Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN)

https://www.rainn.org/ 

24/7 Hotline: 800-656-4673

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

http://www.nsvrc.org/ 

End Rape on Campus

http://endrapeoncampus.org/ 

For support: 424-777-3762

The National Center for Victims of a Crime

Office for Victims of Crime

Everytown

Everytown Survivor Network

Victim Connect

APA resources for coping with shootings

DDH online peer support communities

Help for victims and survivors of gun violence

Gun violence prevention: Resources for communities

Resources from Moments That Survive

Federal resources for helping youth cope after a school shooting

Trauma and violence resource guide

Age-related reactions to a traumatic event

Talking to children about violence: Tips for families and educators

Talking to children about shooting

Guiding adults in talking to children about death and attending services

The Safe School Helpline

Community Violence

National Gang Center

Gang Prevention: An overview of research and programs

GRASP: Gang Rescue and Support Project

Homeboy Industries

Community violence prevention

Community safety as a social determinant of health

Coping after mass violence

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

National Sexual Assault Hotline

StrongHearts Native Helpline

RAINN

Safe Helpline

Caring for kids: What parents need to know about sexual abuse

Zero Abuse Project

Resources for survivors of child sexual abuse

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Resource on Domestic Violence

Preventing intimate partner violence

Love is Respect

Department of Justice: What is domestic violence?

ChildHelp

National Center for Victims of Crime

National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Department of Justice Hate Crimes Enforcement and Prevention

Blackline

American Civil Liberties Union

Anti-Police Terror Project

Communities United Against Police Brutality

FORGE

Disaster Distress Helpline

Línea de Ayuda para Los Afectados por Catástrofes

DisasterAssistance.gov

What to do after a disaster—United Way

Individual assistance—FEMA

IFRC—Emergency needs assessment

Building a basic disaster supplies kit

Contacting loved ones

211

Additional Links (Organizations with pages for MH resources): 

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Find Help and Treatment for Mental Health, Drug, Alcohol Issues | SAMHSA

American Psychological Association Crisis hotlines and resources

Crisis services | Mental Health America