Mental Health Resources

Supporting a Friend

When a friend is struggling with a mental health issue, we want to be able to help them. Here is some information that can be helpful:

Warning Signs

The National Alliance of Mental Illness is a great resource for understanding mental health and how to get support. Below are 10 warning signs that someone might be struggling with mental health issues:

  • Feeling very sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for more than two weeks.

  • Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself.

  • Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.

  • Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing.

  • Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain.

  • Severe mood swings causing problems in relationships.

  • Excess use of drugs or alcohol.

  • Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits.

  • Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still.

  • Intense worries or fears getting in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes.

Steps That You Can Take
Compassionate listening can help a friend feel understood and supported, but sometimes a friend needs more help and may benefit from talking to a professional. One important thing you can do is to encourage them to connect with a community resource such as:

  • Maine Crisis Line (888) 568-1112

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (800) 464-5767, Press 1

  • Sexual Assault Response Services (800) 871-7741

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

A Word about Suicide

If a friend has mentioned or talked about ending his, her, or their lives, take action. Stay with them and call 911. If you have a friend that is not in immediate danger, yet you would like more information about suicide prevention, please contact:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (800) 464-5767, Press 1

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988

Free Resources for GHS Families on Mental Health and Wellness from ParentGuidance.org!

ParentGuidance.org!is an online service by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions. The courses are all online and asynchronous so that they can be viewed at any time. Please click on the link above or the button on the right to access the supports.

Mental Health Resources

Maine Crisis Line

(888) 568-1112

The Maine Crisis Hotline helps to stabilize individuals and families while assisting in crisis resolution and action planning. I f you are concerned about yourself or about someone else, call the 24-hour crisis hotline and speak with a trained crisis clinician who can connect you to the closest crisis center.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline

(800) 464-5767, Press 1

Monday-Friday 8-4

The NAMI Helpline is a free service that provides information, referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.

Sexual Assault Response Services

(800) 871-7741

Our helpline provides free, private 24- hour crisis and support. We help people who have been sexually assaulted, harassed, or abused. We do this by following their lead. Survivors know their lives best - we are here to help talk about options, what happens next, or just listen.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Gorham Police Department

Call 911

The Gorham Police Department is available 24/7 for mental health and substance use emergencies.

if you have any questions please contact

Claudine Emerson - Social Worker  at Gorham High School  222-1193

Cynthia Grover - Social Worker at Gorham High School  222-1085

Emily Ryan Social Worker at Gorham High School  222-1120