Mental Health
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Staying physically healthy requires some effort- eating right, exercising, and brushing our teeth are examples of preventative measures. We can do the same for our mental health by learning to recognize difficult feelings like stress, anxiety and anger, how to cope in healthy ways and to know when to seek help.
Mental Health Promotion
Gizmo's Pawesome Guide to Mental Health was developed by the CT Suicide Advisory Board.
Visit gizmo4mentalhealth.org to learn more.
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Mental Health America provides support for individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions through community education, screening and research, and advocacy and public policy.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 49 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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The ACTION line is a 24/7/365 phone number answered by multilingual 211 staff trained to offer an array of supports and options to individuals in distress, including: telephonic support, referrals and information about community resources and services; warm-transfer to the Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) of their area; and when necessary, direct connection to 911.
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone.
Advocacy Unlimited, is a nonprofit offering holistic, peer-led education, advocacy, and recovery support for mental health, addiction, and trauma. they believe everyone regardless of background has the right to person-centered, trauma-responsive, culturally humble services. They create spaces where people reconnect with themselves and their communities, supporting multiple pathways to recovery.
CT Support Group was developed by young people in Connecticut who are in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. Our goal is to provide information and support to help you choose your path so that you don’t have to struggle the way we did.
Wheeler is a nonprofit community-based federally qualified health center, human services provider, and therapeutic day school that provides services across Connecticut.
Man Therapy reminds men that caring for their mental health is strong, connect them to diverse forms of therapy, and provide tools, resources, and support. Their goals: break stigma, encourage help-seeking, and reduce suicide among working-age men.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
988 Lifeline
There is “no wrong door” in CT.
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To reach the CT crisis contact center for telephonic support or mobile crisis services, people can call 211 and press 1 for crisis and then 1 for children or 2 for adults, or they can call 988 to be routed to the CT contact center.
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They will not have to press any other numbers when they call 988 to get services, and call, text and chat services are all functioning.
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Veterans are still guided to press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line when they call 988, just as the 800 NSPL line did.
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Learn more about 988 here.
​It’s okay to ask for help. Resources are available! Learn more HERE.
​Understand the basics
By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. Learn about risk factors, warning signs and more at ctclearinghouse.org/topics/suicide-prevention/
Learn more
Suicide prevention information is available at preventsuicidect.org/resources-for/ including resources for specific populations and situations including:
Support youth
Youth Suicide Prevention Center with CCMC - At Connecticut Children's, we are committed to reducing youth suicide and supporting those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Our efforts focus on early identification, education, advocacy, and the implementation of evidence-based programs and screening tools.
Through partnerships, quality improvement initiatives, and community outreach, we aim to create safer, healthier communities, reduce stigma, and provide critical support to youth and their families.
Find help
Plan 4 Children helps find information on available behavioral health and family support services in Connecticut and learn about related initiatives contributing to children’s mental and emotional well-being.
Get Involved
Looking to get involved? Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and their local CT chapter at afsp.org/chapter/connecticut