When You Are In Crisis...
Are there times when you believe that you can't make it through another day? Have you worried about your child's safety because they made statements about not wanting to live, attempted to hurt him/her self, or you feared that their behavior could hurt others?
Although you may feel alone, you are most definitely not. There are many good, empathic people who dedicate themselves to answering calls 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week because they care.
Many times, people wonder whether or not they should call a crisis hotline. Our thoughts put us in doubt
of what we need and convince us that we should be able to handle everything on our own. But sometimes those hurdles are just too daunting to face without someone to back us up. If you're not 100% certain that you will not harm yourself or someone else (or that your child will not harm him/her self), then it is definitely the best idea for you to pick up the phone.
Sometimes having another person to talk to about your feelings and listen to you is enough to make you feel better. They may even connect you with a local counselor if you're interested. Other times, you may need a little extra support. These are times when you can not commit to your safety (or to your child's safety).
Although it may sound frightening, it would be best for you to go to your local ER and ask to talk with their psychiatrist. There is NO shame in doing this. Everyone needs a respite at times and the hospital can be a safe place for you to get back on track. They may suggest that you (or your child) stay for at least 72 hours so they can make sure you're safe. However, if you find that you feel better after being in the waiting area and talking with the healthcare staff, they may just connect you with some local supports and resources.
Here are some Crisis Hotline numbers and websites. Feel free to check them out, if not for yourself, for a friend or family member.
NATIONAL HOTLINES https://suicidehotlines.com/national.html
1-800-SUICIDE/ 1-800-784-2433
1-800-273-TALK/ 1-800-273-8255
988 (New National Suicide and Crisis Hotline Number starting July 16, 2022)
MARYLAND STATE HOTLINES https://suicidehotlines.com/maryland.html
1-800-422-0009
410-531-5086 TDD LINE
BALTIMORE COUNTY CRISIS RESPONSE
410-752-2272
HOWARD COUNTY & CENTRAL MARYLAND https://grassrootscrisis.org/
410-531-6677
THE TREVOR PROJECT: A CRISIS HOTLINE FOR TRANSGENDER/NON-BINARY COMMUNITY https://thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386
TEXT "START" TO 678-678