Teenagers in Maine Can Now Text for Mental Health Support

In a time where we're living life in ways we never thought possible, it's important not only to take care of our physical health, but equally as importantly, our mental health. But, what about Maine teens?

Teenagers in Maine are living in times that they have never seen just like we are. Do we ever stop to think about the mental health impact that could have on them? Things are just as jumbled and abnormal for them as they are for us.

Teens aren't getting to see their friends, they're not going to prom, they're not getting to have formal graduations- and at what cost? If you or someone you know is a teenager in Maine and might be struggling with some of these issues or others, there is help available now.

According to WMTW, the Maine chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness has created a text helpline for youth in Maine struggling with mental health. From noon to 10 p.m each day, youth ages 14-20 can text (207) 515–8398 to speak with someone in a safe and private forum. Even more unique is that this text helpline is staffed with people 19-23 years old.

According to NAMI Maine's executive director Jenna Mehnert, “NAMI Maine is focused on providing mental health support to all Mainers, we saw the need to create a mental health peer support teen text line and were able to launch this new resource.”

Jenna also goes on to indicate that this NAMI next line is not a crisis line, if you or someone you know is in crisis, you should call the Maine Crisis Line at (888) 568-1112.

Did you know that Maine has the highest rate of youth diagnosed with anxiety in the country? Maine also has the third highest rate of diagnosed depression in kids ages 3-17.

It's okay to talk about your mental health. It's okay not to be okay. And it's certainly okay to reach out to talk about it. You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed. Having emotions and feelings is a completely normal part of a world changing rapidly around you. Especially in these ever uncertain times.