BLOG: Mental Health Support is just a phone call away!

Q: There is so much going on in the world today. Where can someone turn if they are feeling overwhelmed and in need of support?

A: Simply dial 2-1-1 or the new 9-8-8 number, which are both answered locally by 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. 211’s highly trained and caring staff are available around the clock, should you or someone you know need crisis assistance. This could be a mental health or suicidal crisis, or struggles with a substance use disorder. People can also call if they are overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, or perhaps feeling isolated and alone and just want to talk. 211 serves people of all ages and walks of life 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 Q: What can I expect if I call?

A: You will have an initial prompt and then a live person will speak with you -- someone who is trained to listen to your unique situation and needs. Our staff are community members too,  who live locally and understand the challenges people face today. We can help you talk through what you are feeling to understand the needs that are creating challenges for you. And 211 can help connect you to resources and services, if requested. You are not alone! Calls are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental and can be anonymous. Crisis calls answered by staff are priority -- and the majority of calls from individuals looking for resources are answered within two minutes.

 Q: What if I am concerned about a friend?

A: 211 encourages you to call on behalf of someone you are worried about. Sometimes people need this advocacy as they may be so overwhelmed that they cannot move forward or do not know how to begin to help themselves. This could be a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or coworker, etc. We are here to help guide and direct you. Your reaching out for this support can be lifesaving!

Q: Is there help for Veterans and their families?

A: MYFLVET is a program provided by 211. Veterans and active military receive peer-to-peer crisis support, suicide prevention, and resource assistance for veterans and military, as well as their families. Simply dial 2-1-1 and ask for MYFLVET.

 Q: My husband is a former first responder from the county’s fire and rescue division. I am worried about his well-being! He has left this field to get into another line of work, but he does not seem himself. Can 211 help?

A: Our newest initiative is the Hero4Hero Support Line that will connect current and former first responders and their families to a former first responder who is trained to provide information about local resources, emotional support, linkages to behavioral health treatment, and crisis intervention. This program serves current or former: Corrections, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement, and 911 Telecommunications. Peer support can make a difference -- ask for the Hero4Hero Support Line.

 Q: What kind of training does your staff have?

A: The caring staff at 211 have over 100 hours of training, plus additional hours for certifications that often exceeds the accreditation standards for the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the American Association of Suicidology and the Alliance of Information and Referral Services. We were the first in Florida and fifth in the nation to receive this accreditation.

 Q: Does 211 provide other resources and services?

A: 211 staff can connect you to important resources such as food assistance, rent and utility help, mental health providers and health clinics, growth/developmental and behavioral health screenings for your small children, special needs advocacy for children with disabilities, elder crisis outreach, daily calls for isolated seniors, family caregiver support and more. People looking for resources can search our Online Resource Directory ,which is continually updated and easily accessed at 211palmbeach.org.

 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the State of Florida.