These national and regional organizations can support you or someone you know in a crisis

By Gracie McKenzie 

The U.S. has the highest rate of #gun #suicide in the world — and suicides account for more than half of the total number of gun deaths nationwide each year. It’s because of these statistics that we at The Trace consider covering #suicide central to our mission of understanding #gunviolence in #America. Research shows these deaths are not inevitable, and that most #Americans would act to support someone they know is at risk. But surveys have also found that people often worry about saying the wrong thing or not knowing enough to be able to help.

If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The organizations listed below can provide emotional support in the moment and connect you and/or the person you who needs care to longer-term #mentalhealthresources in your community.If you’re concerned about the issue more broadly, we’ve also collected a list below of some ways you can get involved to support others.

In our journalism, we strive to follow Reporting on Suicide’s best practices for #suicideprevention, including mentioning resources for people who are struggling with #mentalhealthissues whenever we cover #suicide and related topics. If you have feedback about our existing work, please email us at info@thetrace.org — and if you have a question about #mentalhealth and #gunviolence you think we should try to answer, you can submit that to our Ask The Trace series here.

National resources

The #988 #Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential service that provides 24/7 support and connections to resources for those in distress. Call or text 988, both toll-free. Para español, también se puede marcar o enviar un mensaje de texto a 988.

- Note: When you call, you should be routed based on your area code to a member of 988’s network of state and local crisis centers. #Counselors on the line should be familiar with and able to refer you to additional #mentalhealthresources in your area.

- How to help: Contact your local crisis center for information about how to volunteer or donate.

Text 741741 to reach a Crisis Text Line volunteer #counselor who is trained to provide support and help you navigate painful emotions. The organization’s website also has resources on dealing with #depression, #anxiety, #self-harm, and more.

#Veterans can contact #Veterans Crisis Chat, or receive support over the phone at 1 (800) 273-8255 or by text at 838255.

- Here’s the organization’s list of additional resources.

The Institute on Aging runs a 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line at 1 (800) 971-0016 specifically for people 60 and older and those with disabilities. They say they also make outreach calls to lonely older #adults.

The nonprofit #Trans Lifeline offers emotional and #financial support to trans people in crisis. Reach their team at (877) 565-8860.

The #TrevorProject offers crisis support to #LGBTQ+ youth 25 and under. Call 1 (866) 488-7386, text START to 678678, or start a chat via their website.

If you’re facing challenges and could use someone to talk to, a “warmline” — designed to provide emotional support before you reach a crisis point — might be able to help. Find your nearest option in this directory from the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness.

Are you worried about someone else?

- You can contact the above resources for help supporting another person.

- This list of warning signs from the #SuicidePreventionLifeline can help you determine whether this person is at risk, and what next steps you can take.

- This guide and podcast episode from NPR shares nine things you can do that can make a difference if someone you know is at risk of #suicide.

How can you help your community?

- Various organizations offer trainings on how to effectively engage with someone considering #suicide, including LivingWorks, the QPR Institute, and the Crisis Text Line.

- CapRadio in Sacramento created a guide to hosting conversations in your community focused specifically on rural #suicideprevention.

Have you lost someone to #suicide?

- The #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention offers a directory of support groups where you can meet others who’ve also experienced this.

- Here are some additional resources from the #SucidePreventionLifeline and from Friends for Survival, a nonprofit formed to support those who’ve lost someone to #suicide.

Local resources, Chicago

Illinois Call4Calm is for people struggling with #COVID-19-related #stress who need emotional support. Text TALK for English or HABLAR for Spanish to 552020. This service is free and available at all times.

Call the Illinois Warm Line toll-free at (866) 359-7953 to speak with professionals who have experienced #mentalhealth or substance use recovery in their own lives.

Local resources, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia #Suicide and Crisis Center offers guidance and assessment at (215) 686-4420 about depression, #self-harm, #hopelessness, anger, addiction, and relationship problems.

Up The Block is our resource hub for Philadelphians affected by gun violence. Search the directory to learn about local organizations that can help you take care of your #mentalhealth, keep your family safe, and more.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Local resources in other areas

- Live in Utah, Virginia, or Washington state? You can add yourself temporarily to a “do not sell” list for guns if you’re worried about your #mentalhealth. 

- People in Colorado, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Washington can use the linked safe-storage maps to locate a place to temporarily store their gun or guns.

- You can find your local crisis center on the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline website and contact them directly.  

- On #NAMI’s website, you can search for resources available in your ZIP code.

Thanks to CapRadio, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Reporting on #Suicide, and all of the organizations listed above for their work on this important issue. Know about a resource we should add above? Send us an email.
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