Mental Health Help ♡

This page is generally a work in progress, and I am always taking suggestions for what to add or how to make it better!

Below you will find information for mental health help, such as helplines/hotlines, resources, and advice.

Things you should know...

  • You are valid, and so are your feelings.

  • You are not alone.

  • It’s ok to feel bad.

  • You are loved and cherished, whether you see it or not.

  • You are not a burden, you are not selfish, you are not a problem. You are a human, and you are doing what you can to survive and live a life you are happy and comfortable with.

  • Asking for help is never a bad thing. You are not weak for doing so. Even the strongest can’t do everything alone. You can be independent and still need help sometimes. No one is capable of everything.

  • Everyone is different. Just because someone thinks you are acting out of line, are being over-dramatic, or whatever, doesn’t mean it is true. You are going through something, and it is real, and it should not be overlooked.

  • Just because everyone is different doesn’t mean no one understands what you’re going through. There are plenty of people with similar situations and are struggling with the same things as you.

  • You are beautiful. You do not need to change yourself to please anyone.

  • No one is perfect. You are you and that is incredible.

If you are experiencing emotional/mental distress and are considering suicide, please find the appropriate hotline or helpline and reach out for help.

988 Lifeline: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (US Exclusive)

  • Call or Text - 988

Trevor Project (US Exclusive) - LGBTQ+ Help

  • Trevor Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386

  • Trevor Text - 678-678

SwitchBoard (Europe Exclusive) - LGBTQ+ Help

  • Available from 3:30 PM to 3:30 AM everyday

  • SwitchBoard LGBT Line - 0800 0119 100

  • SwitchBoard Email - [email protected]

RESOURCES

There are many alternatives to harming yourself. It helps to acknowledge what about self-harm seems alluring to you. Below are some options, mostly depending on why you self-harm.

I want to feel pain:

  • Wear a rubber band and pull on it, letting it go so you get that sharp pain you’re looking for without the lasting harm.

  • Hold ice. For an extra kick, you can take it outside and throw it down on a hard surface, like concrete, when you’re done with it to also get out some distress.

I want a distraction/I don’t know what else to do:

  • Try coping skills, such as meditation or doing things you enjoy (hobbies and activities. Can be anything from sitting around and watching your favorite show, to going out on a walk or exercising).

I want to see it:

  • Draw on yourself. This will wash off, and often you can express your feelings with scribbles or specific drawing.

  • Put on bandaids where you want to hurt yourself.

I want attention:

  • Drawing on yourself and putting bandaids where you want to hurt yourself can have the same effects as hurting yourself and having wounds/scars. People can still see it and may ask about it if they are comfortable enough to bring it up.

  • Talk to a friend/family member/loved one/trusted person/doctor/therapist/counselor. These are people who all care about you and wish to help in any way they can. They will give you the attention you seek, you just need to reach out and communicate your needs.

  • Seek out social situations where you can meet more people and make friends. While you may already have people you enjoy hanging out with/doing things with and talking to, they cannot give you all the time you might need. Having options is great for you and your friends, as you get more attention and your friends don’t feel guilty/overwhelmed when they can’t/don’t know how to help you.