2020 Got You Down? Here's Where to Go For Help

“Let’s bear in mind there are a lot of people for whom the holidays are not a joyous time,” said Mayor Sam Henderson in a December 9 public service announcement.

The holidays can be hard for many, and this year has been especially cruel.

During the Tuesday, December 1 Gulfport City Council meeting, Councilmember Christine Brown asked City Manager Jim O’Reilly if the city could regularly post available mental health and drug addiction services on the city’s website and social media.

In response, the city released a PSA from Mayor Henderson concerning mental health during the holidays.

“As someone who suffers from anxiety and depression, I’ve been diagnosed and medicated for it for years now,” Henderson said. “These things can be overpowering feelings when you start to feel really bad, when

you start to get down in those cycles where depression starts to take over for you.

“It may not be you that suffers from it. There may be others – someone you know, someone you see on a regular basis,’’ Henderson said. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you feel like they might be in need. People who need these resources may be unwilling or maybe just be unaware of these resources.”

211 Services

211 is a free service that connects residents to information refers them to local services like suicide prevention, emotional support, sexual harassment/assault resources, family services and more. 211 is available 24 hours a day from any phone. Call 211, text 898211, or download the free 211 Connects app. 211tampabay.org for more.

Pinellas County Human Services

Pinellas County’s Human Services Department has a network of more than 105 partner agencies and manages 190 plus contracts and grants for access to medical care, emergency financial assistance, connecting people to judicial resources, benefits for veterans and dependents, investigating consumer complaints, and help for the homeless. pinellascounty.org/humanservices

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine is a free, nationwide peersupport service providing information, referrals and support to people living with mental health issues, their family, caregivers and mental health providers. The NAMI HelpLine is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1-800- 950-NAMI (6264) or anytime at info@ nami.org. More at nami.org/help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for loved ones 24 hours a day, every day. Call 800-273-TALK (8255). More at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

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