Help and Hope: Suicide Prevention Resources in North Carolina
This September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month carries extra significance in North Carolina.
Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced a partnership with UNC’s Suicide Prevention Institute to create the position of State Suicide Prevention Coordinator. This decision is part of the state’s four-year action plan to reduce injury and death by suicide. With suicide ranking among the top five leading causes of death for North Carolinians aged 10-65, targeted efforts like this new coordinator position are essential to turning the tide.
As state and local governments work to step up and provide better support structures for mental health, communities must also come together to care for one another. We’ve compiled this list of resources, hotlines, and support groups for all North Carolina Residents in need.
Crisis Hotlines and Text Lines
If you’re dealing with a mental health crisis, you don’t have to suffer alone. These free, confidential hotlines and text services have caring professionals available 24/7 to listen without judgment and provide support.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 is the national number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Specialized services are available for Spanish speakers, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Crisis Text Line — The branch of 988 just for texting.
- NAMI NC Helpline — A “warmline” dedicated to helping North Carolinians explore available options and support resources.
- The Trevor Project — Text, call, and chat line for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
- Never Use Alone National Overdose Prevention Lifeline — A harm reduction resource for individuals experiencing substance use disorders or crises.
Additionally, Crisis Solutions North Carolina offers a directory of in-person mental health and substance use crisis support by county.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina
A branch of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI North Carolina is a crucial mental health resource run by and for North Carolinians. NAMI North Carolina offers support in the form of education, a resource directory, a Family Support Group, and NAMI Connection, a recovery support group led by and for adults who have experienced mental illness.
NAMI Wake County has also curated this directory of culturally-competent resources for in-person and online support.
For College Students
Many colleges and universities offer free counseling services, support groups, mental health screenings, and other resources for enrolled students.
Here are some of the resources available at major universities in North Carolina. If your school is not listed, please visit their counseling center website to find support specific to your campus.
- Appalachian State University
- East Carolina University (ECU)
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Duke University
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- North Carolina State University (All Campuses)
- University of North Carolina (UNC) (All Campuses)
- Wake Forest University
- Wake Technical Community College
- Western Carolina University (WCU)
For Veterans
Stop Soldier Suicide (SSS) is a veteran-led nonprofit based in Durham, North Carolina. SSS provides cost-free mental health support, care referrals, housing assistance, and more to veterans and active-duty service members in need.
NAMI Homefront is a program created by the National Alliance on Mental Illness specifically for veterans, active-duty military, and their families. It offers free resources and education programs designed to foster understanding, support, and wellness in military families.
For Latino and Spanish-Speaking Families
El Futuro is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Spanish-speaking adults, children, and families in North Carolina. They offer support groups, special community events, and resources for parents of children working through mental helath challenges.
For LGBTQ+ Communities
Mental Health America of Central Carolinas
Mental Health America (MHA) of Central Carolinas offers both local and national mental health tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes therapist directories, educational tools for family and friends, support for foster families, and a guide to local organizations.
These resources and organizations are just a sampling of the support available to North Carolinians in need. From national hotlines to local community groups, help is available.
Mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts can feel isolating, but no one has to go through it alone. This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we encourage anyone battling depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, or other crises to reach out. Together, through open conversations and compassion, we can work to prevent suicide and save lives in North Carolina.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact REAL Crisis Center.
