Join the Oregon Child Support Program in observing National Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) this May. This national observance increases awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. Throughout the month, we encourage you to help support individuals and communities who may need mental health assistance. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as meeting your family’s day-to-day needs. Here are some mental health resources to support parents and children.
FindSupport.gov
FindSupport.gov is designed to help individuals and families connect with mental health resources. Whether you’re looking for immediate support, long-term treatment options, or just want to better understand what you’re going through, FindSupport.gov can guide you through the process. The site offers easy-to-follow information on recognizing mental health challenges, how to talk about them, and where to find support – including free and low-cost services in your area.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
You can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for yourself or a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 serves as a universal entry point so no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a caring, trained counselor who can help. It offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crises
- Emotional distress
- And other reasons to connect (46 seconds)
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.
People using the 988 Lifeline are not required to provide payment or insurance information to receive support. National sub-networks provide specialized support services to Spanish-language speakers, LGBTQI+ youth and young adults, and people who are deaf or hearing impaired.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and has been administered by Vibrant Emotional Health since it began as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in 2005.
Along with the Office of Child Support Services, SAMHSA is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
For more information, visit SAMHSA.
Resources for Kids
Stand Up to Stress! Coloring and Activity Book
Did you know that connecting with friends and family is a great way to cope with stress? This free coloring and activity book teaches children about stress and anxiety and offers tips for coping in a healthy way.
