Call A ‘Warmline’ If You Need Mental Health Help, But It’s Not An Emergency

Stressed but not too depressed? Oftentimes, talking to a close friend can be difficult as opening up may make your problems feel more real. There’s also the fear of possibly putting too much on their plate.

While mental health crisis hotlines are always available, most situations don’t get to the point of the person considering suicide, which those resources are specialized in defusing. For those instances, you are advised to reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by simply calling or texting 988.

However, if you aren’t in dire need but yearn for a neutral party to listen to your troubles, HuffPost’s Ashley Broadwater suggests reaching out to a “warmline,” which is free and often available 24/7.

You can find an entire directory of warmlines on Warmline.org, which lists non-crisis helplines in America according to state.

In New York, for example, callers can get in touch with the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline by dialing 1-844-863-9314. California residents can reach the California Peer-Run Warm Line any time of the day via live chat or by calling 1-855-845-7415, while Texas residents can chat on the Hope Peer Support Warmline by calling 844-755-4673 (HOPE).

The person on the other end of the line is trained to handle non-crisis concerns. Do note that they won’t be a mental health professional, and will just be there to provide peer support when you feel down.

It’s also natural to be nervous about picking up the phone and entering that number. Chaya Grossberg, a nonmedical consultant who used to work at a warmline, tells HuffPost that it happens all the time for her even when she calls a warmline herself. If you’re apprehensive about sharing your problems with a stranger, Grossberg says you can use a pseudonym, or even hang up if you feel uncomfortable.

The past couple of years have shown how important it is to take care of your mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a therapist. Warmlines serve as an alternative for people who can’t always speak to friends and family—or their therapist, who may be away—during stressful times. It’s important that you don’t bottle up your feelings; help is only one call away.

If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Those living abroad can find relevant resources via the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

[via HuffPost and Warmlines, cover photo 77730205 © Shao-chun Wang | Dreamstime.com]