During this hard time the world is dealing with right now, given the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are struggling just to stay stress-free. Not everyone is able to cope with anxiety by themselves and may need a hand.

So, where do students go for help during the shelter-in-place order? 

The Crisis Text Line is a 24/7 number people can text to receive free and private crisis interventions. While ARC is not connected to this non-profit organization, “the Health and Wellness Center does encourage students to use the resource,” according to ARC Communications and Public information Officer Scott Crow. 

To contact the Crisis Text Line, Text “HOME” to 741741 or visit their website at crisistextline.org

For some students who may be dealing with depression and feel as if they’re on the verge of taking their own life, there is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is a 24/7 free-to-use line people can call if they are struggling to find the will to go on. 

To contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website at suicidepreventionlifeline.org 

Students who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community have the option to turn to The Trevor Project, which is a non-profit organization to help anyone of LGBTQ+ dealing with depression and to help prevent suicide, according to its website. 

To contact The Trevor Project, call or text their number at 1-866-488-7386 or visit their website at thetrevorproject.org today. 

Finally, another resource is the California Peer-Run Warm Line. According to its website, they are a non-emergency resource that people can call or text if they are seeking emotional support, but not on the levels of it being a crisis situation.

To contact them, call or text their number at 1-855-845-7415 or visit their website at mentalhealthsf.org/peer-run-warmline/ today.

Regardless of what resource you use, ARC wants this contact information to be available  for students to use during this time. According to Crow, ARC wants students, especially ones that are struggling with current events, to contact any of these resources to get the help they need. 

“These are stressful and difficult times. We encourage all students to take advantage of these resources—available online, by phone or by text,” Crow said. “If you need help, reach out now. If you know someone who could benefit from these services, please share the info with them. During this crisis, it’s important that everyone does everything they can to take care of themselves.”