A Plan for the Next Five Minutes

You’re in a crisis. You need help and you need it now. You know what I’m going to say: CONTACT SOMEONE.

It doesn’t have to be your mom. Or your best friend. Or your significant other. Those people may be neither safe nor available. Or they may be both, in which case go for it. But if you just need someone, anyone, there are crisis lines available. Use them. Don’t feel guilty. You are who they want to contact them.

• https://www.crisistextline.org/selfharm

  To access this line, you text CONNECT to 741741 and a trained professional responds.

• 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  This telephone line can help not only those who are experiencing suicidal feelings, but also those in “emotional distress” according to their website. Many states also run their own telephone help lines, so check online for your local options.

But if you’re anything like me, in this moment it might be beyond you to pick up the phone and call or text someone. Besides, what if they don’t answer? The anxiety of that possibility can seem overwhelming. So for suggestions on what to do right now, click here.