Week 2: Reach out: Help is within reach.
Key messages and actions
It is important to find the help that is right for you when your mental health feels off. Hope and healing can come from many places and in many forms to get the support that you need. Talking about the resources available across Minnesota and in your community can help remove stigma and normalize talking about mental health and focusing on hope and healing.
▪ People you know can be good resources to find supports in your community. Talk to your friends and family, you primary care doctor, spiritual advisor, or someone else that you can trust about what’s going on and what you are looking for.
▪ Sometimes it is nice to know that you are not alone in your struggle. Having peer support can be a great way to connect with others that may have similar experiences as you. This could be calling one of Minnesota’s warm lines or by attending a support group.
o Peer-to-Peer Warmlines – NAMI Minnesota (https://namimn.org/peer-to-peer-warmlines/)
▪ If you are unsure about what to do and need to talk to someone, try a local or national phone line to get assistance. They have trained counselors available to speak with you or your loved one and assist.
▪ Professional help can also make a big difference, but sometimes it is hard to know where to start as there are many different types of mental health professionals.
▪ Ask for referrals from your friends, family, primary care physician, clergy, or other people you trust.
▪ Contact 211, 988, or your local mental health center to understand what mental health resources are available in your community.
▪ Another starting point is to call the number on the back of your insurance card; they can help you identify what providers are a part of your plan.
Social media posts to share:
▪ Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in need of emotional and mental health support. If you or someone you know needs support now, reach out to the 988 Minnesota Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8 or use the 988 online chat (https://988lifeline.org/chat/) feature. #YouMatterMN #CreateHopeThroughAction
▪ Warm lines and peer support can be valuable for those who are managing stress. You do not need to be in immediate crisis to call the warm line. Anyone seeking support may call the Minnesota Warm Line for Peer Support connection at 844-739-0369, from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. For more information, visit: Wellness in the Wood: Transforming Wellness into Reality (mnwitw.org). Mental Health Minnesota also offers a warmline, their services are available Monday – Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Call 1-877-404-3190 or text Support to 85511. Minnesota Warmline – Mental Health Minnesota (mentalhealthmn.org). #YouMatterMN #CreateHopeThroughAction
▪ Support groups can help us see that there are others with similar situations and experiences to our own. These groups can help members feel connected and provide peer support from those who understand. To find a list of support groups, visit NAMI MN (https://namimn.org/support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/) or Mental Health America (https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups). #YouMatterMN #CreateHopeThroughAction