Help is one call away!
The holidays can be a bittersweet time. While for some it can be a time of rejoicing, connecting, and enjoying the “most wonderful time of the year”, for others it is a time of loneliness, painful memories and triggers. But we are here to say that you are not alone, there are resources for you depending on what support you are in need of. There are people out there who will not only listen, but can help lift you up as well. The holidays do not need to be isolating; your trauma and how you respond to it is valid, you are not alone, don’t let it isolate you. Some tips from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration include asking “What helps and what hurts?”, assessing your stress responses to triggers, and making a plan of how you will protect yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically this holiday season. Below are some hotlines with different focuses to help you stay safe and secure, and connect you with resources.
HOTLINES
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or Text 1-800-985-5990
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Fenway Health: (888).340.4528 for adults 25+, (800).399.PEER for under age 25.
An LGBT Helpline and a Peer Listening Line from Fenway Help, which people can call from across the country.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
Anonymous and confidential hotline where callers can speak on many different issues and concerns including coming out issues, gender and/or sexuality identities, relationship concerns, bullying, workplace issues, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safer sex information, suicide, and much more.
The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743
Both provide telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE / (800) 810-7440 (TTY)
The nation's largest organization fighting sexual violence, RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483)
StrongHearts is a culturally-appropriate, anonymous, confidential service dedicated to serving Native American survivors of domestic violence and concerned family members and friends.
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
The True Colors United: (212) 461-4401
The True Colors Fund is working to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, creating a world in which all young people can be their true selves. True Colors United runs a database of service providers.
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 (English/Spanish) (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
They also have an online chat feature available. Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Highly trained, experienced advocates offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information and referral services in over 170 languages.