Talking about mental health resources can help connect people with support and create a message of hope and healing.
Finding the right support can be an important part of caring for your mental health. Hope and healing can look different for everyone, and support can come from many places.
Talking openly about the resources available in our communities can help people know where to turn when they need support. You do not have to know exactly what you need before reaching out. Exploring your options can be a good first step.
Where Can You Find Support?
Start with someone you trust. Friends, family members, a primary care provider, spiritual or faith leaders, coworkers, or other trusted people can be a good place to start. Let them know what you are experiencing and what kind of support you are looking for.
Connect with peers. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone who has had similar experiences. Peer support groups and Minnesota warm lines can provide an opportunity to connect with others and feel less alone.
Reach out to a crisis or support line. If you are unsure what to do or simply need someone to talk with, trained crisis counselors are available to listen, provide support, and help connect you with resources. You can call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or reach out to our regional Mobile Crisis Line at 1-800-282-5005.
Explore professional support. Counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals can provide different types of support. If you are not sure where to begin, a trusted person or health care provider can help you identify options.
Use community resources. In Minnesota, 211 can help connect people with local health and human services. Your local mental health center may also be able to help you understand available services.
Check with your insurance provider. The phone number on the back of your insurance card can help you find mental health providers who participate in your insurance plan.
Hope and Healing Are Possible
People find hope and healing every day. Hearing stories about how others have navigated difficult times can remind us that we are not alone and that there are many ways to find support and cope with life’s challenges.
When sharing stories about mental health or suicide, it is important to do so safely and respectfully. The 988 Storytelling for Suicide Prevention Checklist offers guidance for sharing stories in ways that promote hope, healing, and help-seeking.
Take the First Step
You do not have to wait until things become overwhelming to reach out for support. It is okay to ask questions, explore your options, and find the type of support that works best for you.
Whether you start with a friend, family member, health care provider, peer support, 211, 988, or another community resource, taking that first step can help you move toward support and hope.
There is hope. There is help. You are not alone.
