Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world today, and it can also be one of the most difficult to cope with. Depression is an incredibly isolating condition, and this isolation can become not only lonely, but dangerous in times of crisis when a person really needs support from friends, family, and mental health professionals. The stigmas around mental health, particularly around depression and suicidal thoughts, can make it difficult for many people to seek help or even let their loved ones know that they’re having trouble. This is why hotlines and mental health resources are so important to have in place. If you live in the Lehigh Valley area and you or someone you love is struggling with their mental health, these useful resources are available on both a national and local level, and they might be helpful to you!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention hotline spans the entire United States and is a major leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care, providing free support 24/7. The lifeline was launched in 2005 and spans over 200 local crisis centers. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been 1-800-273-8255 for a long time, but the hotline is getting an update this summer. The 1-800-273-8255 will remain available, but the 3-digit dialing code of 988 is now being added as of July 16th, 2022.
NAMI Helpline
The NAMI, or National Alliance on Mental Health, hotline, is a free national hotline much like the National Suicide Prevention hotline. It can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am to 10 pm at 800-950-NAMI (6264). The NAMI hotline also has a text option, which can be a useful tool in a lot of different situations where talking on the phone is not ideal, either because a person has phone anxiety or is in a situation where they can’t or don’t want to speak out loud, like a public place. Text NAMI to 741-741 to get in touch.
Northampton County Peer Line
This hotline is dedicated specifically to Northampton County as an additional form of support for those recovering from mental illnesses. The number is 1-855-727-3377 and is available toll-free 24/7.
Pinebrook Family Answers Warmline
Pinebrook Family Answers runs a free telephone support service called the Warmline seven days a week between 6 am and 2 am. While the Warmline workers who answer the phone are not professional counselors, they are trained in active listening, referral support and other helpful skills. The Covid-19 pandemic and the flood of mental health problems that its isolation created prompted the Warmline to become available to the Greater Lehigh Valley, so if you live in the area and you’re struggling with your mental health, calling 610-820-8451 can put you in touch with help and support.
TMS Center of the Lehigh Valley
Suicide and mental health hotlines are invaluable resources, but one of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re struggling with your mental health is to seek professional treatment. A hotline is an emergency tool and cannot replace a therapist or counselor, medications, and other strategies that will help prevent a person getting to a crisis point. If you’ve had limited success with other treatment methods in the past, transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment might be a great option for you. TMS Center of the Lehigh Valley is one of the first TMS centers in this region and one of the most experienced on the entire east coast, so if you’re interested in learning more about this FDA-approved, non-drug, non-invasive treatment, contact us today.