It's World Mental Health Day; Here Are Some Helpline Numbers

Today is World Mental Health Day so I want to put some resources in this blog post to help you, or anyone in your life who may be struggling. I just heard about a woman who called a suicide hotline and it literally saved her life. You can hear her story at the Giving Voice to Depression website.

My friend Terry hosts the podcast with her sister. They both suffer from Depression and are on a mission to "Destigmatize Through Discussion." In the episode referenced above, we are encouraged to check in with ourselves to see how we're feeling. Check in frequently, like a boat's GPS, and any course corrections can be minor. If you don't check in often, you might veer far off course and that might require a larger correction or re-direction. The important thing is that you talk to someone and know you're not alone, even if you feel like you are.

The podcast refers to a number system you can use to rate how you're feeling each day. If you are feeling hopeless and suicidal, call U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255.)

Closer to home, Contact of Ocean and Monmouth Counties staffs a free confidential Crisis Helpline at 732-240-6100 or 609-693-5834.

I agree with Terry that mental health should really be considered and cared for like physical health. We seek professional help when we have a physical illness don't we? If you feel something is "coming on" or out of whack emotionally, or you just don't feel like yourself, remember there are people who are trained to help.

If you have a friend or co-worker who may be in need of some guidance, please share this blog post with them.