Get Help

Sometimes we need to ask for help. Whether for yourself or a loved one, there are great educational and support resources out there to help you navigate mental health crises.

Text 'HELLO' to 741-741

If you need help now, but you are not in immediate danger, you have support.

Text ‘HELLO’ to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the National Suicide Lifeline. 

For LGBTQIA+ youth under 25, get 24/7 crisis intervention & suicide prevention lifeline support with The Trevor Project. Text ‘START’ to 678678 or dial (866) 488-7386.

Get Help

A mental health crisis is when an individual’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others, and/or when that person is not able to resolve their situation with their own skills and resources available to them. 

Some signs that you may be experiencing a mental health crisis include:

  • Rapid mood swings
  • Extreme energy or lack of it
  • Isolation from friends or family
  • Not eating or eating all of the time

If you call 9-1-1 during a mental health crisis, inform the dispatcher that you believe a person with a mental illness is involved. Some police departments will have Crisis Intervention Officers and Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams, or PERT officers, who are trained to deal with mental health crises. 

Helping a friend?

Seven Tips:

  • Set time aside with no distractions
  • Let them share as much as they want to
  • Don’t give advice, diagnose, or question
  • Talk about their well-being
  • Listen carefully and care about what they say
  • Offer them help in seeking professional support
  • Understand your limits

Learn the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior. Create a Wellness Recovery Action Plan.  Find a therapist or support group in your area.

Text The Local Optimist

Text our team at 310.299.9414 to stay up to date on all Local Optimist resources, including our mental health toolkits, expert interviews, and the latest Madhappy Podcast episodes.