You are not alone
My short stories and blog posts explore harsh topics, many of them relating to mental health and abuse. If you are struggling, there are options for you. Below is a list of hotlines, websites, and articles designed to provide you with the resources you need. I love you. You will get through this.
National Suicide Hotline
Suicidality is a topic discussed a lot in my fiction, and it’s a recurrent theme in my upcoming novel. Most of my characters make it, but some don’t. It is important to remember that no matter how many reasons you have for ending your life, there are always more not to.
If you or someone close to you are contemplating suicide, The National Suicide Hotline is a resource open 24/7. Call 988 for instant support anywhere in the US. They will listen to anything you have to say, as well as provide additional help and resources.
Text a Volunteer Crisis Counselor
The Crisis Textline is a 24-hour helpline for those needing to cool down from a hot moment. They can help with suicidal thoughts, but they can also discuss topics like eating disorders, self-harm, anxiety, gun violence, and more.
To get in touch with a volunteer crisis counselor, text “HOME” or “HOLA” to 741-741.
Talking to a Friend Who May Be at Risk
Many people find themselves in a position where someone close to them is showing signs of declining mental health. Maybe they stopped taking care of their hygiene, maybe they’re a little messier than usual, maybe they’re sleeping significantly more or less, or maybe they just seem sadder or more anxious. Unfortunately, most people in this situation find themselves at a loss of what to do or say.
Seize The Awkward is an organization dedicated to helping concerned friends tackle difficult conversations about mental health. Their website features helpful videos, articles, and external resources related to starting these difficult conversations.
Help for Sexual Assault Survivors
Every sixty-eight seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Sexual assault can happen to anyone or anything that has a body, and the consequences are catastrophic. Thirty percent of survivors experience PTSD symptoms, and thirty-three percent contemplate suicide.
Luckily, help is available. RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest Nation Network) is an organization dedicated to helping survivors and their families. If you need to talk to someone, call their 24/7 hotline at 800-656-4673. Visit their website for additional resources, coping strategies, and statistics about sexual assault.
Information About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many of my characters suffer from trauma, and their PTSD manifests itself in different ways depending on the person. I try to portray trauma in a more ugly and raw way than most authors like to. You will never come across the stoic, shadow daddy stereotype in my writing.
As a reader, you may find yourself identifying with and relating to my characters, which may cause you to seek out resources for yourself. The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder offers educational information and treatment options for those with PTSD and their families. While this resource is mostly geared toward veterans and disaster survivors, other trauma survivors can also find this helpful.
Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder
As a neurodivergent person, I am not afraid to write characters who have brains like mine. ASD is highly misunderstood in our society, and our administration is exacerbating the stigma that we face. With our search results clogged with harmful organizations like Autism Speaks (they are a for-profit organization that uses fear-mongering and eugenics to garner support), finding educational information and resources can be difficult.
The Autism Research Institute provides assessment tools, educational articles, and support for autistic people and their families. They have information on how to cope with and help people through the most difficult symptoms—specifically meltdowns, shutdowns, and self-injurious behavior.
LGBT Support and Suicide Prevention
Queer people are group that is at risk for mental health struggles due to the discrimination they face. However, supportive friends and access to resources have been proven to drastically increase their well-being.
The Trevor Project offers opportunities to meet queer friends, crisis services, advocacy, and research. If you are in a dangerous situation, you can leave the site at any time by pressing the escape key.
