In times of desperation, when you are looking for answers, assistance or emotional support, knowing there are support lines that are only a phone call away can be a comfort.
Across the country there are counselors at the ready to help people in need.
Do you need someone to talk to? Are you faced with problems you can't deal with alone? Perhaps you need a safe place to go to, or a professional to provide resources and information.
The organizations, websites and phone numbers below are just a few of the many in this country that are in place for those who need them.
CHILD ABUSE:
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline-home
Phone 1-800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453) to talk to professional crisis counselors and interpreters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for crisis intervention, literature and referrals to thousands of resources.
DISASTERS:
Disaster Distress Helpline
http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
Phone 1-800-985-5990 for help in dealing with anxiety, stress and symptoms of depression caused by disaster, of human or natural causes.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
http://www.thehotline.org
Phone 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for this 24-hour, confidential, toll-free hotline to talk to be connected with a local service provider. Highly trained advocates offer crisis intervention, information, referrals, safety planning and support in 170 languages to domestic violence victims.
The hotline was created through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the United States.
EATING DISORDERS:
National Eating Disorders Association Information and Referral Helpline
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Phone 1-800-931-2237 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays for help, guidance and support services if you or someone you love are struggling with eating disorders.
Volunteers are trained to help callers find information, referrals and treatment options.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
http://www.anad.org/eating-disorders-get-help
Phone the ANAD helpline (630) 577-1330 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. for help with eating disorders.
MENTAL HEALTH:
Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Phone 1-800-969-NMHA (6642) for a referral to specific mental health services or support programs in your community. Mental Health America promotes mental health, help with behavioral health problems and substance abuse conditions.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
http://www.nami.org
Phone the Information Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday for information, referrals and support for those affected by mental illness.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
Postpartum Support International
http://www.postpartum.net
Phone 1-800-994-4PPD (4773) toll-free in English and Spanish. Counselors will refer callers to local resources to meet their needs.
PPD Moms
http://www.1800ppdmoms.org
Phone 1-800-PPD-MOMS (1-800-773-6667) because screening new moms for postpartum depression should be a routine part of care prenatal and postnatal, peer guidance should be made available for treatment and support.
RUNAWAYS:
National Runaway Switchboard
http://www.1800runaway.org
Phone 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) 24 hours a day, for help for homeless and runaway youth. Local help is available from social services, along with counseling, food, medical assistance and shelter.
SEXUAL ASSAULT:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline
Phone 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) confidential free services 24 hours a day, for help from a nationwide partnership of more than 1100 rape treatment hotlines to victims of sexual assault.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://www.samhsa.gov
Phone 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for SAMSHA's National Helpline, also called the Treatment Referral Routing Service, 24 hours a day for free, confidential treatment referrals and information for substance abuse and mental disorders, prevention and recovery. Help is available in English and Spanish.
SUICIDE PREVENTION:
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Phone 1-800-273-talk (8255) to talk to trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a local crisis center. The confidential hotline is for those who are suicidal or in emotional distress.
Suicide Now
http://www.preventsuicidenow.com
Phone 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day.
Hopeline
http://www.hopeline.com
Phone 1-800-442-HOPE (4673) to talk to someone on the Kristin Brooks Hope Center hotline. Their focus is on suicide prevention, awareness and education.
Along with their crisis hotline, KBHC offers college campus awareness activities, a music outreach tour and online crisis chat.
VETERANS:
Veteran's Crisis Line
http://veteranscrisisline.net
Phone 1-800-273-8255, press 1 (text 838255) for support for veterans, their families and friends who are in crisis. Department of Veterans Affairs responders are available on the hotline, as well as text and online chat.
VICTIMS OF CRIME:
National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.victimsofcrime.org
Phone 1-800-FYI-CALL (394-2255) for a number of resources to assist victims of crime. Multi-language service is available.
Reviewed October 28, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN