If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, it is important to seek help immediately.
A mental health crisis can be defined as a time when a person's mental health deteriorates to the point where they feel unable to cope with their daily life. This can include suicidal thoughts or plans, self-harm, panic attacks, severe anxiety or depression, and other acute symptoms.
Here are some resources that can provide support and assistance during a mental health crisis:
Available throughout the United States:
988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
741741- Crisis Text Line: a free, 24/7 support service that provides text-based support to individuals in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.
1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7 support to people experiencing a mental health crisis. You can call to speak with a trained counselor who can provide support and guidance.
1-800-950-NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides support and advocacy for individuals with mental health conditions and their families. They offer a helpline and online support groups.
Mental Health America (MHA) https://mhanational.org: a collection of online, free, confidential, anonymous, and scientifically validated screening tools to help individuals understand and learn more about their mental health.
911 or your local emergency department. ***Before calling 911*** If you or someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger and decide to call 911, please be aware that police are not equipped to offer mental health support and may even pose danger to People of Color, Neurodivergent people and Disabled people. Please ALSO reach out to community leaders, neighbors, friends, and family to be present if you are calling the police.
Resources specific to New Jersey Residents:
NJ Performcare 1-877-6527624: If your situation is not immediately life-threatening, PerformCare may authorize mobile response stabilization services (MRSS) to come your home within one hour of notification to provide face-to-face crisis services. The goal is to stabilize behavior and keep your child at home. 24/7 and can offer up to eight weeks of stabilization services.
List of Crisis/Screening Centers by county: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/home/hotlines/MH_Screening_Centers.pdf
NJ Hopeline 1-855-654-6735: has specialists available 24/7 who offer counseling and support over the phone.
2nd Floor Youth Helpline: 1-888-222-2228 (call or text): a confidential helpline for New Jersey’s youth that helps find solutions to problems they face at home, at school, or at play.
It is important to remember that seeking help for a mental health crisis is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health issues can affect anyone, and there is no shame in reaching out for support. These resources can provide the help and guidance needed to overcome a mental health crisis and move towards recovery.