Mental Health

If there is an immediate mental health crisis, go to a hospital emergency room or call 9-1-1.

If you are unsure of the severity of the mental health crisis, call or text 9-8-8 or chat 988lifeline.org. Trained counselors are available 24/7 and can assist in a crisis situation.

Some mental health crises are urgent and cannot wait for an appointment. Crisis Centers, typically located in hospitals, are available 24/7. Individuals can receive services, with or without an appointment. While individuals can be brought to crisis centers by friends or family, a mobile unit can be sent to the individual if they are unwilling to go to the Crisis Center. Find a full listing of NJ mental health resources with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

At times, a Crisis Center may recommend inpatient hospitalization. While this may feel scary, the goal of inpatient treatment is to stabilize the individual and to link the individual with community support services so that they can return to the community.

If you live with a mental health condition, it is important to plan ahead. This plan should include your loved ones and mental health professionals. A plan can include where to go for intensive treatment and how to get there, how to take time off from work or school, or explain absences as well as what methods can be used to calm yourself down in an emergency.

The State of New Jersey provides COVID-19 Mental Health Resources geared towards youth as well as a Mental Health and Wellness Hub for youth, parents, and educators. Resources for how to identify mental health challenges, and where youth can seek help are provided to the public.

Helplines provide support to callers in need. By providing individuals with the opportunity to talk about their feelings, helplines can help prevent a mental health crisis. Below there are general helplines as well as helplines for more specific communities and needs.

Negative emotions are impossible to avoid, but by understanding emotions and learning to cope with them, a bad day can turn into a better one. Regardless of the emotion, mental health professionals are always ready to help if assistance is needed. 

Stress is a reaction to a situation where a person feels threatened or anxious. To cope with stress, individuals should take care of their body, by eating healthy meals, exercising, getting plenty of sleep, talking to others, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and taking a break. Oftentimes, adults experience financial stress. Learn tips to overcome financial stress.

Grief is a common response to the loss of someone or something you love. Grief can often feel overwhelming as one can experience a wide array of emotions such as disbelief, guilt, sadness, and anger. Learn more about mourning a loss.

Loneliness is the feeling of being isolated or disconnected from others. Loneliness can be experienced at any stage in life. Loneliness can even be experienced when surrounded by others. It can be caused by many things such as a big life change, the loss of a loved one, or the avoidance of social situations for fear of being rejected. To overcome and prevent loneliness participate in activities you enjoy and focus on developing relationships with people who share similar interests. Learn more about coping with loneliness.

Adults aren’t the only ones who must confront difficult emotions, children do too. Help children navigate difficult emotions by learning more.

Talking about mental health concerns with family and friends can be difficult for some. Find out more information about talking with others and disclosing important information about mental illness from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Support groups are also available throughout the state. Find a support group today.