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.
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.
