Resources and Supports
What if I Need Help? What Happens If I Reach Out?
Great questions. First of all, you are not alone. In fact, did you know people are experiencing stress and burn out in the work place so much that the World Health Organization labeled it an occupational phenomenon in 2019? And a 2018 Gallup Poll showed Americans are the top of the list out of 148 countries for experiencing stress, worry and anger. That is why reaching out is so important.
Second, anyone can contact these resources. Whether this is for you or someone you care about, this information and support is available for anyone. And remember, we all need help sometimes especially when work or life gets really tough. Actually, that is exactly why we created this resource area for YOU.
Now, here are some quick tips on what to expect when you reach out:
- A person who is trained to help will tell you their name, and help you through any personal crisis, by listening non judgementally and asking questions to gather information on how to help. Depending on why you are calling, they may ask questions about your safety.
- Then, they will provide information and help lay out options. You decide how much you want to share their goal is to listen and to help. It is your choice if you want to give your name or contact information.
- These calls are always free and confidential and most are available
24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year or 24/7/365
If you are in danger — or the person you are concerned about is in danger — they will work to make sure everyone is safe. They will help you get through the crisis and then help you connect with the services you need, either from your local medical center or elsewhere in your community.
If you — or the person you are concerned about — are in crisis but not at imminent risk for injury or suicide, then they will listen, offer support, and help you make a plan to stay safe and take the next steps.
Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Substance, Opioid Use
EAP or Employee Assistance Programs
Different organizations offer these voluntary, free and confidential programs to help with life issues such as finances, caring for parents, loss, depression anxiety and other mental health concerns. Ask your human resources team for the number and also look for posters throughout the office.
ABA Directory of Lawyer Assistance Programs
Assistance programs for judges, lawyers, law students for mental health, alcoholism and substance abuse.
NIH and NIMH National Institutes on Health and Mental Health
The Federal Government program that is the nation’s medical research agency, making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.
NAMI National Alliance for Mental Illness is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. They have lots of information including free trainings.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – With Help Comes Hope
Available 24/7/365 CALL 800.784.2433 or 800.273.TALK (8255).
The campaign of concerned citizens from public private sectors coming together to change the direction and culture around mental health. Offers support and tools for action. Check this toolkit out!
SAMSHA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish 800.662.HELP (4357). The Federal Government agency that provides the National Helpline and lots of information for individuals and families with mental health and or substance use concerns and disorders.
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
Offers support for family and friends who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Alateen is for younger family members and friends ages 13-18.
Opioid Use and Substance Use - SAMHSA
Available 24/7/365 CALL 800.662.HELP (4357) for TTY: 800.487.4889 For referrals to treatment in your area.
A nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
Military Veterans and Families
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Available 24/7/365 For crisis TEXT: 838255 or CALL 800.273.8255 Call or text then press “1” to be linked specifically to someone specially trained for issues with Vets. It is okay to skip the #1 and then you will be linked with a trained professional. The VA is the government agency that supports Veterans and their families. For more information and FAQ’s
Non profit agency whose mission is to restore sense of self, family and hope by providing comprehensive support programs to those touched by military service nationwide. for more information call 877.246.7349.
LGBTQ+ Allies, Family, Friends
LGBTQ+ National Youth Talkline
Available 24/7/365 CALL 800.246.PRIDE (7743) We speak with teens and young adults up to age 25 about coming out issues, relationship concerns, parent issues, school problems, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more!
Encouraging messages and support for issues such as bullying for LGBTQ+ youth and others. For LGBTQ+ HELP
Available 24/7/365 CALL 866.4U.Trevor (866.488.7386) A national, toll free confidential suicide hotline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning youth LGBTQ+.
More Supports
Available 24/7/365 CALL 800.799.SAFE (7233). We answer the call to support and shift power back to people affected by relationship abuse. We also offer live chat services 24/7/365.
Available 24/7/365 English Spanish and 200 languages TEXT: 233733 or "HELP" or "INFO" or CALL 888.373.7888 If you our someone you know is involved in human trafficking.
Let's Talk About Equity, Race and Other Useful Stuff
Equity...and if we are going to talk about equity, then we must start with race.
A great start to understanding the concept of white privilege with examples from the everyday life Peggy Mcintosh, Ph.D., founder of the National SEED Project and writer Bill Pitkin.
Author Robin Diangelo, Ph.D.'s work on white fragility and other excellent resources including action steps and tools.
What does it mean to be antiracist? From the Racial Healing Handbook by Annelise A. Singh.
Talking about race including implicit bias with the National Museum of African American Culture.
Take and implicit bias test here.
Washington Post article from the book, How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi.
Learn more and get involved with the Antiracist Research and Policy Center