September is suicide prevention month and at Born This Way we like to say that every day is an opportunity to take care of your mental health. There are so many supports for you when you’re struggling and we’d like to help you find them. In our research on help-seeking preferences, we’ve found that the best combination of support is both talking face-to-face and reaching out through confidential text or chat lines. We’ve listed several, reputable sources of support on our website here and we’ve recently heard about this Veterans Crisis Line, where veterans can receive 24/7 support. The Veterans Crisis Line has a powerful slogan, “the power of one.” It just takes one kind comment, one brave gesture to help yourself or someone who might need help.

It’s also important to remember that seeking help doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Going for a walk, hiking, talking to a trusted friend or family member, meditating, exercising, yoga, volunteering are all great and inexpensive ways to focus on your mental and physical health.

When you or someone you know needs additional mental health treatment, there are some great resources to help you find a mental health professional in your area. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has a “Find a Therapist” link. Psychology Today also has a link for finding a therapist in your area. Finally, WebMD has a link to help you determine which type of therapist might be best for you or someone you know.

We want you to know that it’s brave to seek help. Everyone needs help and support throughout their lives. Be the one who is brave to get help and most importantly, be kind to yourself and others.

With Gratitude,
Dr. Sue