Mental Health

What is Mental Health

According to MentalHealth.gov, emotional, psychological, and social well-being encompasses our mental health. Mental health problems are common. Many factors contribute to mental health problems including biological factors such as genetics, life experiences such as trauma or abuse, and family history. A comprehensive list of early warning signs that you or a friend or family member might be struggling with a mental health problem can be found on MentalHealth.gov. A few of these warning signs are below:

Eating or sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people and usual activities
Having low or no energy
Feeling helpless or hopeless
Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
Experiencing mood swings
Thinking of harming yourself or others

Help is available 24/7: TN Statewide Mental HealthCrisis Line855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471)TN Statewide Crisis Line

Newly Expanded Behavioral Health Safety Net for Children

Volunteer Behavioral Health Services 1-877-567-6051 (for first time appointments)Volunteer Behavioral Health

Suicide

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (add hyperlink: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) hasexcellent resources for suicide prevention including changing the conversation about suicide. Suicide is preventable. Recognizing the warning signs and being aware of resources are important for preventingsuicide. Warning signs from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline include:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Increasing the use of alcohol and drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings

Help is available 24/7: National Suicide PreventionLifeline1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)TN Suicide Prevention Network

Informational Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association

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National Alliance on Mental Illness

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Mental Health America

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US Department of Health and Human Services

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

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Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network

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The TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Office of Licensure maintains a public database of licensed facilities.

Click here or on the link below to check the status of a license of a mental health provider:

Check the Status of a License