Suicide Prevention
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, contact:
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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24/7 at 410-531-6677 or 9-8-8
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Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
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Maryland Mental Health Text Message Support
Mental Health Month & Children's Mental Health Awareness Week
May is Mental Health Month! Across Howard County and the country, this month is used to raise awareness, offer vital resources and education, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of everyone. This year's theme is Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World. The world around us is constantly changing – for better or for worse – and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you. While some are getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard for others to know “Where to Start” when it comes to taking care of your own well-being. Find what you need here!
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, is May 5-11, 2024. We use this week to raise awareness about children’s mental health and encourage people to commit to improving the mental wellbeing of children. Visit the Children's Mental Health Matters website for more information.
Suicide Awareness Rocks in the Community
During Suicide Prevention Week in September, we painted rocks at the Health Department and encouraged community members to do the same. The goal of this campaign was to spread awareness about suicide by sprinkling the community with these rocks, which shared simple messages of hope, love, and compassion.
The rocks were placed in locations throughout our community, such as along walkways, trails, or in areas where other community members could find them. As you're outside this fall, keep an eye out for a painted rock. When you find one, take it for yourself, share one with someone who needs one, or leave it to help spread hope.
Learn more about Rock Painting from the Joshua York Legacy Foundation.
Suicide is a complex public health issue. The Health Department developed an evidence-based Suicide Prevention Plan to address the many components of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
For questions or more information about Suicide Prevention at the Health Department, contact Jessica Fisher at jefisher@howardcountymd.gov.
What is Mental Health?
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It is equally as important as physical health.
What are the Signs Someone is Struggling?
Common signs that someone is struggling with their mental health include:
- Loss of interest
- Trouble with sleeping (too much or too little)
- Change in eating habits (too much or too little)
- Isolating from friends and family
- Withdrawing from activities
- Sudden changes in mood
- Frequent anger or irritability
- Frequent worry or nervousness
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Sudden change in hygiene habits
How to Have a Conversation
Starting the Conversation
First find a private place to talk where there will not be any distractions. Set aside time to have a conversation and find a comfortable place to sit.
Remember to approach the situation with care and with open ears. If you do not know what to say, try one of these opening lines:
- “I’m worried about you and would like to know what’s going on so I can help.”
- “Are you okay? I noticed that you’ve missed school/practice a few times.”
- “It seems like something is bothering you. Do you want to talk about what’s going on?”
- “Seems like you haven’t been yourself lately. What’s up?”
During the Conversation
It is important to give your full attention to the individual when they are being open about how they are feeling. Remember to:
- Keep it casual and relaxed. Think of the conversation as a chat, not a therapy session.
- Listen carefully and nonjudgmentally.
- Avoid fixing the problem for them.
- Ask open-ended questions to help them talk instead of responding with “yes” and “no.”
Let them open up at their own speed. Do not demand answers or force them to say anything that they are not ready to.
Get Help
Assist the individual to get the professional help that they need.
- Help them connect: assist with reaching out to a parent, teacher, doctor, counselor, hotline, or other mental health professional.
- Contact Grassroots Crisis Center Hotline: 410-531-6677
- Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 9-8-8
- Text the MD Helpline by dialing sending your zip code to 898-211
Don’t give up. Stay available and keep offering help. Handle their trust with care. Follow up and keep checking in to see how they are doing.
For more tips on how to start the conversation, ask questions, listen, and connect to resources, check out https://afsp.org/realconvo
Resources
Prevention
Sources of Strength – Sources of Strength is an evidence-based peer leadership and suicide prevention program for high school students in Howard County. The program connects Peer Leaders with Adult Advisors who share Hope, Help, and Strength-based messages in the community.
Teen Health Matters – Teen Health Matters is a website providing information on all aspects of health for adolescents, including detailed information on suicide warning signs. Check out the Teen Health Matters podcast on Dragon Digital Radio here.
Suicide Prevention Trainings and Workshops – The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) maintains an inventory of mental health and suicide prevention trainings in our area. Trainings and workshops are provided by Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, NAMI, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Howard County General Hospital. You can find a list of trainings and workshops here.
Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to loved ones and have a conversation about mental health.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – AFSP’s website provides comprehensive guidance on how to prevent suicide, connect a loved one to help, and navigate a suicide loss.
Maryland Mind Health – Maryland Mental Health Text Message Support connects individuals with caring messages of hope and encouragement. Text MDMindHealth to 898-211 to register.
Intervention
Grassroots Mobile Crisis Team – Grassroots Mobile Crisis Team is a team of mental health professionals who respond to psychiatric emergencies, family crises, and other traumatic events in the community. You can reach the Mobile Crisis Team by calling 410-531-6677 or 9-8-8
Community Services Directories – Howard County Health Department maintains a Behavioral Health Directory and other resource guides to assist residents in locating treatment options.
Resources for Parents Following an Attempt – this resource guide provides information and resources to parents of individuals who have attempted suicide.
Behavioral Health Navigation – Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members with resources for mental health and substance use treatment, as well as information about social and financial supports. Call 410-313-6240 or complete the Google form here to speak with a Navigator.
Maryland Coalition of Families – MD Coalition of Families offers support groups to parents and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use challenges, as well as Family Navigators to assist with locating services.
NAMI Howard County – NAMI Howard County offers support groups and educational classes for individuals with mental illnesses and their loved ones.
Postvention
Grassroots Crisis Intervention – Grassroots facilitates a free, confidential Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group in Howard County. Contact Ashley Badgley for more information: ashley@grassrootscrisis.org.
AFSP Healing Conversations – Healing Conversations provides peer-to-peer support for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide.
The Compassionate Friends of Patapsco Valley – The Compassionate Friends provide grief support to individuals who have lost a child.
Cultural Resources
African-American Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Services to Locate Care
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Black Mental Health Alliance
https://blackmentalhealth.com/
Black Mental Health Alliance is a local organization that connects the Baltimore community with resources, programs, and clinicians. To be matched with a therapist complete the questionnaire linked here.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
BEAM offers resources, programs, and a wellness directory to support the healing and liberation of Black and marginalized communities. Their wellness directory lists Black health professionals spanning from doulas to therapists.
Therapy for Black Girls
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
This website helps Black women find in-person and virtual Black female therapists.
Therapy for Black Men
https://therapyforblackmen.org/
This website helps Black men find care tailored to their needs.
InnoPsych
https://www.innopsych.com/findatherapist
This website has a directory to locate therapists of color near you.
Inclusive Therapists
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This website helps people find culturally responsive therapists from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Support Services for Individuals and Families
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
MD Coalition of Families
410-730-8267, press 1.
MCF provides family peer support services, education, and support groups to families and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Pro Bono Counseling
https://probonocounseling.org/
410-598-0234
Pro Bono Counseling offers a WARMLine to help people locate resources and speak with a professional when they are in need. Pro Bono also provides free counseling to individuals who cannot afford mental health services.
Online Resources
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Services to Locate Care
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Immigrant Behavioral Health Services
410-313-5711
Immigrant Behavioral Health Services links undocumented and uninsured residents with behavioral health services in Howard County.
Luminus
410-992-1923
Luminus is an immigrant advocacy organization that connects new Americans with legal, social, language, housing, and health services to help them achieve their goals.
Websites to Locate Care
Asian Mental Health Collective
This website has online directories to locate therapists and agencies that specialize in Asian mental health.
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
This website provides information and resources related to AAPI mental health, including a directory of providers.
Asian American Psychological Association
This website has information and resources about Asian American mental health.
Inclusive Therapists
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This website helps people find culturally responsive therapists from similar cultural backgrounds.
Support Services for Individuals and Families
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
MD Coalition of Families
410-730-8267, press 1.
MCF provides family peer support services, education, and support groups to families and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Pro Bono Counseling
https://probonocounseling.org/
410-598-0234
Pro Bono Counseling offers a WARMLine to help people locate resources and speak with a professional when they are in need. Pro Bono also provides free counseling to individuals who cannot afford mental health services.
Online Resources
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
Latinx Community
It's Ok to Ask Poster
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Howard County Health Department Programs
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Immigrant Behavioral Health Services
410-313-5711
Immigrant Behavioral Health Services links undocumented and uninsured residents with behavioral health services in Howard County.
Websites to Locate Care
Therapy for Latinx
https://www.therapyforlatinx.com/
This website has a directory to locate therapists in your area that are Hispanic or Latino.
Latinx Therapy
This website has a directory of therapists who are Hispanic or Latino.
Inclusive Therapists
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This website helps people find culturally responsive therapists from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Support Services for Individuals and Families
Luminus
410-992-1923
Luminus is an immigrant advocacy organization that connects new Americans with legal, social, language, housing, and health services to help them achieve their goals.
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
MD Coalition of Families
410-730-8267, press 1.
MCF provides family peer support services, education, and support groups to families and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Pro Bono Counseling
https://probonocounseling.org/
410-598-0234
Pro Bono Counseling offers a WARMLine to help people locate resources and speak with a professional when they are in need. Pro Bono also provides free counseling to Spanish-speaking individuals who cannot afford mental health services.
Online Resources
Video: NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza – 3-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in the Hispanic/Latinx communities
Resource Handout: NAMI Cómo Lidiar con una crisis de salud mental – Una guía de recursos de NAMI para lidiar con una emergencia de salud mental
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
LGBTQIA+ Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
1-866-488-7386
Trevor Project provides free and confidential telephonic and text-based crisis counseling to LGBTQ individuals.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
Services to Locate Care
GMLA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality
GMLA has an online provider directory to find physical and mental health professionals near you who are LGBTQ affirming.
Pride Counseling
https://www.pridecounseling.com/
Pride Counseling is a teletherapy platform that aims to match LGBTQIA individuals with licensed therapists.
Inclusive Therapists
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This website helps people find culturally responsive therapists from a variety of cultural backgrounds and identities.
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Support Services for Individuals and Families
PFLAG Howard County
PFLAG offers support groups, education, and advocacy to LGBTQIA residents and their loved ones.
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
MD Coalition of Families
410-730-8267, press 1.
MCF provides family peer support services, education, and support groups to families and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Pro Bono Counseling
https://probonocounseling.org/
410-598-0234
Pro Bono Counseling offers a WARMLine to help people locate resources and speak with a professional when they are in need. Pro Bono also provides free counseling to 2SLGBTQIA individuals who cannot afford mental health services.
Online Resources
Resource Handout: Questions to Help QTBIPOC Find Affirming Mental Health Providers – This resource provides questions you can ask to ensure your therapist is a good fit for providing LGBTQIA affirming and culturally responsive care.
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
Older Adult Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Services to Locate Care
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Office on Aging & Independence and Maryland Access Point
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/aging
410-313-1234
Office on Aging provides services, programs, and referrals to older adults with the goals of reducing social isolation and promoting healthy aging. They maintain a resource directory of services available to adults over 50 in Howard County.
Individual and Family Services
SeniorsTogether
Office on Aging and Independence
410-313-7466
SeniorsTogether is a peer outreach group that offers discussions and events related to emotional wellness, education, and resources. SeniorsTogether also offers support groups for caregivers and individuals with low vision.
Nurse Monitoring Program
Howard County Health Department
410-313-1234
The Nurse Monitoring Program provides county residents with a free evaluation from a Registered Nurse or Licensed Clinical Social Worker who connect participants with resources and referrals for physical and behavioral health, social supports, and legal and financial assistance.
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
On Our Own of Maryland
410-772-7905
On Our Own is a peer-led Behavioral Health Wellness and Recovery Center providing peer support, advocacy, and education to individuals with behavioral health conditions to support recovery.
Online Resources
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
South Asian American Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Services to Locate Care
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Immigrant Behavioral Health Services
410-313-5711
Immigrant Behavioral Health Services links undocumented and uninsured residents with behavioral health services in Howard County.
Luminus
410-992-1923
Luminus is an immigrant advocacy organization that connects new Americans with legal, social, language, housing, and health services to help them achieve their goals.
Websites to Locate Care
South Asian Therapists
https://southasiantherapists.org/
This website has an online directory of South Asian therapists.
Asian Mental Health Collective
This website has online directories to locate therapists and agencies that specialize in Asian mental health.
Asian American Psychological Association
This website has information and resources about Asian American mental health, including a directory of South Asian mental health organizations.
Inclusive Therapists
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This website helps people find culturally responsive therapists from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Support Services for Individuals and Families
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
MD Coalition of Families
410-730-8267, press 1.
MCF provides family peer support services, education, and support groups to families and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Pro Bono Counseling
https://probonocounseling.org/
410-598-0234
Pro Bono Counseling offers a WARMLine to help people locate resources and speak with a professional when they are in need. Pro Bono has a Special Program called CHAI (Counselors Helping [South] Asians and Indians) to meet the mental health needs of the South Asian community.
Online Resources
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
Veterans & Military Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Veterans Crisis Line
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
1-800-273-8255, press 1
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Veteran and Military Family Services
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals
https://www.easterseals.com/DCMDVA/our-programs/cvn-home.html
240-847-7500
The Cohen Clinic provides behavioral health care to veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and caregivers.
Headstrong
Headstrong provides free, confidential and stigma-free mental health treatment for military members, veterans, and their families regardless of service era or discharge.
Give An Hour
Provides confidential, no-cost mental health services to members of the military and veteran communities.
Vet Centers Readjustment Counseling
410-764-9400
Provides counseling, substance use assessments, veteran services referrals, and employment referrals.
Howard County Programs
Office of Veterans and Military Families
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/veterans-military-families
410-313-0821
Provides guidance, information, and access to Howard County veterans, military families, their dependents, and survivors. Maintains a Veterans and Military Families Resource Directory.
NAMI Veteran Support Group
https://namihowardcounty.org/support-and-education/veteran-support-group/
410-772-9300
A free, drop-in support group for veterans facilitated by other veterans through NAMI Howard County.
Behavioral Health Navigation
Howard County Bureau of Behavioral Health
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Online Resources
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
Young Adult Community
It's OK to Ask Posters
Crisis Services
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
410-531-6677
Grassroots provides crisis intervention, walk-in crisis counseling services, substance use screenings, and behavioral health resources and referrals.
HopeWorks
410-997-2272
HopeWorks provides counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and other resources to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and sexual violence.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Dial 9-8-8
Call 988, press 1 or text Home to 741-741 for help with mental health or substance use.
Services to Locate Care
Behavioral Health Navigation
410-313-6240
Behavioral Health Navigation connects community members, providers, and families to mental health and substance use resources in the community.
Good Therapy
This website helps people find local therapists and facilities that can meet their needs.
Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
This website helps people find local therapists and psychiatrists that accept their insurance.
Inclusive Therapists
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
This website helps people find culturally responsive therapists from a variety cultural backgrounds.
Individual and Family Services
NAMI Howard County
410-772-9300
NAMI provides education, support groups, and connection to resources for individuals affected by mental health and their families.
On Our Own of Maryland
410-772-7905
On Our Own is a peer-led Behavioral Health Wellness and Recovery Center providing peer support, advocacy, and education to individuals with behavioral health conditions to support recovery.
Maryland Coalition of Families
410-730-8267, press 1.
MCF provides family peer support services, education, and support groups to families and caregivers of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. MCF has a support group for young adults called Taking Flight.
Humanim
410-381-7171
Humanim is an agency providing workforce development, behavioral health, and disability services to individuals in Howard County, including young adults with mental health conditions.
Online Resources
Webpage: Emotional Support Human – Emotional Support Human provides guidance on how to reach out to a loved one about their mental health.
Webpage: Real Convo - #RealConvo from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides tips on how to start a conversation with a friend or family member about mental health and suicide.
