Lifeline For Mental Health, 988, Now Available to Minnesotans

As someone who lives with more than one mental illness, the awareness of mental health is such an important cause to me. And I am so thrilled to help share that starting Saturday, Minnesota joins the launch of 988, the new lifeline for National Suicide Prevention. This is a way for their lifeline to become more memorable for everyone!

Just to reassure, the Lifeline 10-digit number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will continue to be available and will route people to the same resources. Bring Me The News released an article on the topic, stating “According to the Minnesota Department of Health, four call centers in Minnesota are a part of a broader network of over 200 Lifeline call centers nationwide. The centers are able to quickly connect callers to nearby or state-specific resources and services, according to MDH."

With the new lifeline, 988, anyone can call or text the number and will be connected to a counselor 24-7. It is also noted that you can call or text if you are concerned about a loved one.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is warming that our society is destroying the original stigma of mental health we had decades ago. If you or someone you love is struggling in any way never feel afraid or bad about talking to someone or exploring different ways to help your mental struggles.

If you are looking for simple things to start with, supporting you mental health can come in different ways. Here are some things that have helped me or ones I know who struggle:

• Go for daily walks
• Positive thinking (i.e. thinking one thing at a time, or little notes of positive affirmations)
• Drinking enough water each day
• Petting or spending time with a pet
• Mediation
• Enjoying your favorite things (watching your favorite movie or having your favorite coffee)
• Cleaning your room
• Dancing to music
• Shopping at your favorite store

While there are many more things that you can discover or follow, I hope this helped in some way. However, if you need help or want to educated yourself, here are some resources (note: I am no expert, these are just guidelines for you to learn more).

• for general mental heath resources: Click here.
• for general information on anxiety: Click here.
• for general information on depression: Click here.
• Click here to visit SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

all information on the new lifeline is credited to this article from Bring Me The News.