SOS
Sometimes things that haven't worked before will now, so stay open. The goal is to mitigate chaos, moreso than it is to feel better right now. You got this. I believe in you!
1. Imagine your breath is the ocean meeting the shore. Inhale slowly as you picture the water coming in, running over the sand. Imagine the sound of your breath is the sound of the water moving. Exhale slowly as the water rushes back out to sea. Imagine clouds, wind, birds, if you want to. Try gently rolling back your shoulders and neck as you do this. Sometimes a little movement can help a lot to signal to the body to calm a bit. Try a few breaths like this, or for as long as you'd like to.
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2. Sip a little water or splash some cool water on your face. Consider what the water feels like as you drink, how it feels on your face. This moment will not last forever. You have gotten yourself this far, and for that you're amazing, even if it doesn't feel like it. Keep going.
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3. Check here if you're having a panic attack and here for tips on regulating to manage cravings, urges, or ideation.
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4. Text or call someone you trust. This could be someone in your life, or a crisis line below. Please know that I'm not always available, so rely on others first. While you're waiting for a reply from any of these, you must agree to do your best to keep yourself safe.
5. Check here for distraction techniques. Follow the strategies on your support/safety plan. Try sitting outside or by a window, watching a comfort show, eating a snack or making a playlist.
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6. Check here for a huge list of anti-carceral resources organized by city.
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Here are some non-carceral crisis lines:
Click the name of the organization for their website and click the number to call or text. ​
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Available 24/7 by text
Talk with a qualified crisis responder about navigating marginalized identities and/or suicidal ideation, honoring autonomy and consent. Also worth checking out their non-carceral resource list.
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Available 24/7 by text or call
Call Blackline prioritizes BIPOC from an LGBTQ+ black femme lens.
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CAN (877) 330-6366
Available 24/7 by call
Divested from police since day one, by and for trans people. Reach out when you need to talk to a trans person, even if it's not a crisis, and even if you're not sure if you're trans.​​​​​​
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Click above for the lgbt national talkline, the lgbt national youth talkline (25 and younger), the lgbt national senior talkline (50 and over), the lgbt national coming out support hotline, and the lgbt switchboard of New York. Hotlines, online chat programs, email services, and databases of resources.
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Available 24/7 by call
Culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.​
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Available 24/7 by call
Support by and for those who have experienced challenges with mood, voices, visions, trauma, and addictions.
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Available 24/7 by text
For urgent support with psychiatric incarceration/involuntary hospitalization.​
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