Help is a Text Away – 741741

The Crisis Text Line is free and available in all 50 states. It is easy to use, immediately available, regardless of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

The service was created in 2013 as an outgrowth of DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change. CEO Nancy Lublin came up with the idea after observing the large number of texts for personal help from its members.  Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 crisis support by text message. Its counselors are trained volunteers who, with the support of full-time Crisis Text Line staff, use active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning to help texters in their moment of crisis. The priority is helping people move from a hot moment to a cool calm, guiding them to create a plan to stay safe and healthy.

Beth Lamarre, Executive Director of NAMI-RI, states that “NAMI absolutely recommends and endorses the use of the text line” which is also listed on their web site. She defines a crisis as any painful emotion, including immediate danger to self and others. The Text Line lists the following conditions as examples of a crisis situation: abuse, anxiety, bullying, depression, eating disorders, gender and sexuality, grief, isolation, relationships, self-harm, substance use, and suicide. It may not surprise you to learn that schools are the #1 location mentioned by texters. The top issues for college-age texters are depression, anxiety, and relationships. Now more than ever, students, teachers, administrators, and parents need mental health support during the COVID 19 pandemic. To learn more about the service, visit www.crisistextline.org.

To use the Crisis Text line, simply text any word, such as School, or Home to 741741. A trained crisis counselor will respond quickly through a secure platform.

Please share this information with your friends, family, school, workplace, as well as places of worship. In the meantime, keep yourself and others safe and well.

Socha Cohen

NAMI BI Board.