As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, many people are feeling overwhelmed by the daily flood of terrible information and imagery. The battle has dominated news and social media, causing political differences at times. The toll on mental health is evident, especially for those who are immediately affected, but even those who are not directly touched may suffer from vicarious trauma.
The SAMHSA Helpline
If you feel that the prolonged disagreement has had a negative impact on your mental health, there are resources available to help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) runs the Disaster Distress Helpline, which provides toll-free, multilingual help 24 hours a day, seven days a week to citizens of the United States and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress as a result of catastrophes.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to speak with a counselor immediately. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, then the same number can be called from a video phone, or you can follow this link from the government website to get on a video conference call.
A global lifeline: Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line, a global NGO, provides text-based access to a crisis counselor. The organization’s volunteers are extensively trained and supervised, and this service is provided in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland.
Worldwide support at your fingertips
“Find A Helpline” is a fantastic search engine for mental health helplines all over the world. This tool, verified by mental healthcare provider ThroughLine, allows you to find help anywhere in the world, whether by country, area, or topic.
Compassionate outreach at NAMI
In the United States, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides the HelpLine, which connects people with caring volunteers. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, you can reach them by phone, text, or online chat.
Accessible mental health therapy
There are resources available for folks who require more tailored and continuing mental health therapy. The American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association both include directories that might assist you locate a therapist or psychiatrist in your area. If you do not have insurance, the federal government recommends checking out community health clinics for low-cost mental health care.
Affordable therapy options
Another useful resource is the Open Path Psychotherapy Collective. This non-profit network provides therapy at a reduced cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured, ensuring that effective mental healthcare is available to all.
Taking care of your mental health is not an option in times of crisis; it is a requirement. Remember that there are resources and caring specialists available to assist you. We can negotiate these difficult times together and emerge stronger, more united, and with a brighter future in sight.
We are highlighting this piece as part of our annual “Best Of” roundup of articles published at The Optimist Daily this year. Today’s focus is on our staff’s picks! Our favorite solutions of 2023.
