Chicago Public Library - West Loop issued the following announcement on March 27.
Feeling sad, anxious or confused? You're not alone. These are difficult and unusual times, and there's a lot of uncertainty in the world.
You may not have access to your friends and support networks right now, and, in some cases, you might be in living situations that add more stress and anxiety to each day.
Here's a list of national resources staffed by trained professionals you can talk to or chat with immediately.
Boys Town National Hotline
Call 1-800-448-3000
- Available 24/7 hotline for all youth (regardless of gender, race, religion, etc.) in the United States
- Languages: English and Spanish (Plus translation services in over a hundred languages)
- People with speech or hearing disabilities can contact Boys Town via email, hotline@boystown.org.
- Counseling is aimed at anyone suffering with a crisis such as abuse, addiction or abandonment issues.
Text HELLO to 741741
- Available 24/7 support for those in crisis in the United States
- The Crisis Text Line website has support information for coronavirus anxiety, isolation concerns, financial stress and more.
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
- Available 24/7 support for those experiencing emotional distress in the United States
- Free and confidential
- Languages: Multiple
- Provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- This helpline supports those experiencing difficulty related to disasters including infectious disease outbreaks, such as the coronavirus; traumatic, violent incidents, or natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, etc.
Call 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224
- Available 24/7 support for anyone in a domestic violence situation in the United States
- Free and confidential
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Note: Text LOVEIS to 22522 if you're unable to speak by phone
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Available 24/7 counseling (online chatting or phone support) in the United States
- Free and confidential
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Provided by RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, this is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States.
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Available 24/7 support for anyone dealing with a suicide crisis in the United States (for themselves or for loved ones)
- Free and confidential phone or chat services
- People with speech or hearing disabilities can contact (800) 799-4889
- Connect/chat through Lifeline Chat
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
- Available 24/7 support for LGBTQIA+ identified youth in the United States
- Free and confidential phone, text or chat services
- The Trevor Project hotline is a suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline. However, the project does much more, such as bringing together international LGBTQ youth and allies through online communities and support groups as well as advocating for laws and policies to reduce suicide in LGBTQ youth.