It’s okay to struggle daily with your own thoughts. It’s okay to be broken, it’s okay to be hurting, it’s okay to be different, and it’s okay to ask for help. It can be scary to trust someone and open up, yet it is vital to healing as a person.
There are many ways to seek help such as talking to a trusted teacher or peer, confiding in a counselor or getting a peer listener, yet these aren’t the only ways. Below are some resources to help you in a crisis or provide support. If you find yourself or a friend in need, please reach out to one of these organizations.
You can’t control what happens to you, and you can’t control if your mind feels broken, but you always have command over what you do in response. Please don’t choose to remain silent.
Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides emotional support to those in a crisis or distress at all times – 1.800.273.TALK (273.8255) | www.suicidepreventionlifeline.com
Network180 aids individuals and families in finding mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities services – 616.336.3765 | www.network180.org
North Kent Guidance Services gives support, treatment, and counseling for individuals in need – 616.361.5001 | www.northkentguidance.com
National Child Abuse Hotline gives crisis intervention and provides information and referrals to social services and other support- 1.800.4.A.CHILD (422.4453) | www.childhelp.org/help
The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and support for LGBT youth – 1.866.4.U.TREVOR (488.7386) | www.thetrevorproject.org
Loveisrespect national hotline giving support to teens in abusive relationships – 1.866.331.9497 | www.loveisrespect.org
National Eating Disorders Association dedicates itself to preventing eating disorders and providing support and referrals for treatment – 1.800.931.2237 | www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Planned Parenthood National Hotline gives help to students with reproductive health questions or crises – 1.800.230.PLAN (230.7526) | www.plannedparenthood.com
Alpha Women’s Center promotes life by giving support to women who find themselves pregnant – 1.800.712.4357 | www.alphagrandrapids.org
American Psychological Association helps locate psychologists in your local area – 1.800.374.2721 | www.locator.apa.org
Befrienders Worldwide a global organization of 349 emotional support centers www.befrienders.com
Active Minds encourages students to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health – 202.322.9595 | www.activeminds.org
To Write Love on Her Arms inspires hope and is dedicated to providing support for those struggling with their mental health – text TWLOHA to 741.741 | www.twloha.com
This article is very needed. Thank you Andrew and keep up the great work