Studying Psychology in college (and having furthered that education on my own afterward) gave me a newfound appreciation and understanding of the importance of therapy and mental health counseling. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, self-harming or if in general, you feel as though there are things in your life you can no longer handle on your own, I hope you will take a moment to look through the links I have listed below. There is absolutely NO SHAME in seeking help. It takes courage to reach out!
If this is an emergency, or if you are worried that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, please call your local authorities (911), contact a mental health professional, or call and talk to someone at 1-800-SUICIDE.
HELPLINES:
S.A.F.E. Alternatives – www.selfinjury.com – Self Abuse Finally Ends
National Domestic Violence Helpline – www.ndvh.org – 1-800-799-SAFE
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network – www.rainn.org – 1-800-656-HOPE National Sexual Assault Hotline
National Eating Disorders Association – www.nationaleatingdisorders.org – 1-800-931-2237
The Trevor Project is the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. All calls are confidential and toll-free from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
FIND TREATMENT OR COUNSELING:
American Psychological Association – counseling services locator
AAMFT – counseling services locator
Befrienders Worldwide – treatment and counseling services locator
SAMHSA – substance abuse treatment center locator
SAMHSA – mental health services locator
For Help with SELF-INJURY:
“S.A.F.E. ALTERNATIVES is a nationally recognized treatment approach, professional network, and educational resource base, which is committed to helping you and others achieve an end to self-injurious behavior.”
Self Mutilators Anonymous – www.selfmutilatorsanonymous.webs.com – “Self Mutilators Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from physical self-mutilation.”
For Help with EATING DISORDERS:
National Eating Disorders Association – “non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.”
FINDINGbalance – Faith based help for eating and body image issues.
For Help with ADDICTION:
HBO – “The Addiction website brings together many of America’s top addiction experts to demystify this much-misunderstood disease. To find help now, or to learn more about the latest breakthroughs in treatment, select a link.”
“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.” Meetings can be found in Australia, the UK and USA.
Al-Anon/Alateen – “Offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics.”
“Narcotics Anonymous – an international, community-based association of recovering drug addicts with more than 33,500 weekly meetings in over 116 countries worldwide.” Visit their website to find a meeting in your area.
Additional Information:
International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression
Teen Advice/Support site – TeenHelp.org
The Jed Foundation – The Jed Foundation works nationally to reduce the rate of suicide and the prevalence of emotional distress among college and university students.
Mental Health America – Resources promoting mental health nationwide.
Help Guide… for information on: abuse, addiction, depression, eating disorders, mental health and trauma
For more information on Specific Mental Illness’ visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness
To Write Love on Her Arms – “To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.”