
<p class="has-text-align-center has-background-background-color has-background wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Call 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional or suicidal thoughts. There are health professionals that are readily available to help you.</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On July 16th, 2022, the federal government released the first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis line. ;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988" rel="noreferrer noopener">988</a> ;is designed to serve similarly to 911 for individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and builds on the National Suicide Prevention-life line. It&#8217;s available 24/7 for anyone who needs mental health, emotional, and suicide prevention help and support. In addition, there are over 200 crisis centers staffed with health care professionals ready to support and care for the needs of individuals who may be experiencing a crisis.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There may be improvements to be made to help strengthen that system over time. Still, it is available for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis and for family members who need support to help a close family member who is experiencing a difficult moment in their life or may be coping with the loss of a loved one.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I know that there may be mistrust from communities, especially communities of color that have been taken advantage of by healthcare professionals and have been prevented from accessing services or having received the proper care they need because racism, healthcare professionals not understanding their needs or how to address their needs from a cultural perspective. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Or religious individuals who may only trust in the power of prayer. I believe in the power of prayer and know that God can restore, renew, and provide a new purpose and direction in our life. Asking God for help does not prevent you from seeking counsel; in fact, that might be the answer that God wants you to explore, but sometimes our stubbornness and holy than thou point of view keeps us from seeking the counsel that we need, and we end up wallowing in our self-pity. Proverbs 11:14 says, &#8220;where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.&#8221; Let&#8217;s seek out counsel when we need the help, for God has also placed those individuals in those positions so they can be ready to help you in your moments of need. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I think it is crucial as we experience a crisis to reach out for help as much as we need it. Yes, there is work to be done to improve health disparity, but we need to start somewhere, and that means reaching out when we need help and providing feedback on how we can improve the process for those coming after us.</p>



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