Mental Health Support
Mental Health Matters
You are not alone
During these uncertain times, it is normal to feel stressed, anxious and even depressed. However, if you are having thoughts of suicide, feel hopeless or like you can’t cope right now, help is available. We can get through this together. Please remember that you are not alone. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call:
Lines for Life and OHA have launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it – not only those experiencing a mental health crisis.
Additional Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Columbia County
Support Groups
NAMI Family Support Groups are free, confidential and safe groups of families helping other families who live with mental health challenges by utilizing their collective lived experiences and learned group wisdom.
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, 6:00-7:30 pm. Cowlitz County residents welcome.
NAMI Oregon→ has some 20-plus online weekly support groups→ for individuals and families living with mental illness. Support groups for adults living with mental illness. Family members and friends with a loved one living with mental illness. Parents/caregivers raising children and teenagers with mental health or behavior issues.
NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide→
In this guide, you will find answers to questions ranging from how to manage anxiety during this difficult time, to how to access medication while in quarantine, to how to deal with the loss of a loved one to COVID-19.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline→
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
24/7 Lifeline Crisis Chat Line→
En español: 1-888-628-9454
TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Offers teen to teen crisis help with both a phone line and a texting support line through Lines for Life.
Teens respond from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
Call 1-877-968-8491
Text teen2teen to 839863
Local Suicide Prevention Resources→
Tips for reducing anxiety
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others using technology. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships.
- Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking as much as possible.
Grief support
Grief is a natural response to loss. Many people in our community are currently grieving the loss of daily routines, jobs, financial stability and a sense of security. Some community members may be grieving the loss of a co-worker, friend or loved one. This grief may include not being able to mourn in ways we are familiar with, such as attending funerals or memorial services.
Here are a few ways to help you cope with grief:
- Acknowledge your pain.
- Understand that grief can bring many different and unexpected emotions.
- Seek out virtual support.
- Limit isolation (we know this is difficult to do right now).
- Take care of your health with good nutrition, physical activity and getting enough sleep.
With so many people in our community experiencing grief it is important to know that you are not alone.
For additional grief support, please visit American Red Cross→
Report abuse and neglect
Vulnerable people in our community with mental health disorders, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities remain at risk for abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic. As contact with others decreases due to social distancing measures, abuse may not be as readily apparent but could still be occurring. Please remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of abuse. State of Oregon to provides abuse investigation and intervention.
- If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an elderly person or an adult with physical disabilities, report abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services office in your area→.
- If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an adult with developmental disabilities report abuse or neglect to your county developmental disability program→.
- If you suspect abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an adult with mental illness report abuse to your county mental health program→.
- You may also call 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse or neglect of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Resources for victims and survivors of domestic violence
We are being told to stay home for health and safety reasons. However, for victims or survivors of domestic violence, home might not feel like the safest place. For resouces, call:
Oregon Domestic Violence Victim Services→
24/7 Crisis Help Line:
- 503-397-6161
- 866-397-6161