Mental Health Resources
Supporting a Friend
When a friend is struggling with a mental health issue, we want to be able to help them. Here is some information that can be helpful:
Warning Signs
The National Alliance of Mental Illness is a great resource for understanding mental health and how to get support. Below are 10 warning signs that someone might be struggling with mental health issues:- Feeling very sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for more than two weeks.
- Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself.
- Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
- Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.
- Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain.
- Severe mood swings causing problems in relationships.
- Excess use of drugs or alcohol.
- Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits.
- Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.
- Intense worries or fears getting in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.
Steps That You Can Take
Compassionate listening can help a friend feel understood and supported. But sometimes a friend needs more help, and may benefit from talking to a professional. One important thing you can do is to encourage them to connect with a community resource such as:
- Maine Crisis Hotline (888) 568-1112
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (800) 950-6264
- Sexual Assault Response Services (800) 871-7741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
A Word about Suicide
If a friend has mentioned or talked about ending his, her, or their lives, take action. Stay with them and call 911. If you have a friend that is not in immediate danger, but you would like more information about suicide prevention, please contact:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (800) 950-6264
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
