Mental Health and Counseling Resources

Depression is now a very common mental health illness that affects millions of people, and their family and friends. Living with a chronic illness such as myositis makes life hard with the ups and downs, life-changes and simply losing so much over time. Never be ashamed to admit you are depressed! This is the first step to getting the help you need to treat depression.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of harming someone else, please dial 911 (in the USA). Another great resource, Suicide Prevention Lifeline, can help, too. Just call (800) 273-TALK (8255) to be connected.

If you are feeling suicidal, there is hope.

You can CALL the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

You can reach the Crisis TEXT Line 24/7 by texting “START” to 741741.

Call, Text, or Chat 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Available 24 hours.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is now active across the United States. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Ways to care for your mental health

We asked Izandra Rudolph-Heard our Community Outreach Advisor for Research who is currently pursuing her Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling at Auburn University Montgomery, to share her thoughts about caring for our mental health.

Izandra is an advocate for underserved youth in rural communities throughout the South and is dedicated to community service. She says, “Taking care of your mental health is extremely important, just as important as taking care of your physical health.” Izandra is a myositis warrior and has been fighting this disease for 9 years. She brings a strong voice to MSU in this area. Read the full post here.

Find ways to care for your mental health

Do not be ashamed to admit you are depressed

Living with a chronic illness such as Myositis makes life difficult. We experience  ups and downs, life-changes, and we may feel we continue to lose so many things over time. Never be ashamed to admit you are depressed! This is the first step to getting the help you need to treat depression.

Are YOU in crisis, having suicidal thoughts?

Are you a U.S. Veteran in crisis?

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Visit their website for more information

Mental Health and Drug Abuse Resources

Those living with myositis and pain may develop depression, anxiety, and even addiction, or dependence, to the medications. We have provided several resources below that may help.

Are you deaf? Use this link to see how to connect.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
    http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
  • Mental Health America
    Nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental health conditions.

    www.mhanational.org/

  • National Institute of Mental Health
    6001 Executive BoulevardRoom 8184, MSC 9663
    Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
    (866) 615-6464
    www.nimh.nih.gov/
  • SAVE
    Suicide Prevention
    Save.org
  • American Psychiatric Association
    1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825Arlington, VA 22209-3901
    (703) 907-7300
    www.psych.org/
  • American Psychological Association
    Does not offer referrals
    750 First Street, NEWashington, DC 20002-4242
    www.apa.org/
  • National Mental Health Association
    2000 Beavregard St.6th Floor,
    Alexandria, VA 22311
    (800) 969-NMHA
    www.nmha.org/
  • RehabCenter.net
    www.rehabcenter.net

Other Addiction Resources

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