Emergency Resources:
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7: 1-800-854-7771 Free and confidential.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, provides immediate crisis counseling to people affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Free, multilingual, anonymous. Text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Crisis Text Line 24/7: 741741
NOTE: There is risk that hotlines call 911 to attend to someone who is suicidal and police may respond so it is really important that we monitor ourselves or our comrades for early warning signs that we are not doing well emotionally.
for the African American Community:
Melanin and Mental Health: Podcasts, Articles, & Therapists search
Therapy for Black Girls – Find a therapist, Podcasts, Community
Mental Health Resources:
Behind the Scenes – Mental Health List of resources. (more info below)
Chat with your peers
A Guide to Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
Iatse C.A.R.E.S – Coronavirus Active Response Engagement and Support
Iatse Member Beth Snyder Article about steps you can take to handle your own stress during the time of Covid-19
Backline – Resource connecting Music Industry Professionals and their families to mental health resources
Collection of resources in June 2020 – including information about recognizing and addressing trauma, some specifically for the LA community.
- LA County Mental Health Line 24/7 for crisis help or linkage to services: 1-800-854-7771
- LA Warmline for emotional support 10pm to 6am: 1-855-952-9276
The Actors Fund makes free counseling available to everyone in our industry. Not just actors.
https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/social-services-financial-assistance
One-on-one counseling, referrals to helpful resources, and support for issues around sexual harassment
New York City
212.221.7300, ext. 119
intakeny@actorsfund.org
Chicago
312.372.0989
shaught@actorsfund.org
Los Angeles
323.933.9244, ext. 455
intakela@actorsfund.org
#BeThe1To Help Save a Life
During these difficult times for our industry, many of our colleagues are dealing with anxiety or depression and struggling to maintain their mental and emotional health. It’s critical to know how to recognize the signs that someone may be at risk for suicide and what you can do to help. That’s why BTS joined the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s #BeThe1To Help Save a Life campaign and are providing you with tools which are available at btshelp.org/bethe1to.
Be Scene – Be Heard Peer-to-Peer Chat App
It can be hard to talk with family and friends about how you’re feeling, especially now when you want to be strong for others because that’s what you do – you’re used to taking care of things. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people who don’t know you, but who can relate because they’re in this industry too. Maybe you’re doing pretty well but you’d be willing to help someone else just by listening and offering a few words of experience. That’s why BTS partnered with iRel8 to launch Be Scene – Be Heard. A platform to interact with your peers, talk about what’s on your mind, find comfort and knowledge from one another, and, perhaps, offer insight to someone who is going through something you already have. Chats are instantly translatable into 54 languages. Be Scene – Be Heard is available Wherever you are, Whenever you need it, for Whatever is on your mind. www.btshelp.org/chat
Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder
Find a therapist who understands what you do. BTS has partnered with HelpPRO to create an online therapist finder specifically for our industry. Only therapists who have previously seen professionals in the entertainment industry as clients, or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves are included. Search for a therapist using a simple search form which includes location, insurance accepted, what areas the therapist specializes in, and therapist availability such as whether they see clients remotely or on nights and weekends. An advanced search is available which also includes such criteria as theoretical approaches, credentials held by the therapist, specific populations they have experience with, and languages spoken. www.btshelp.org/findatherapist
Free Online Behavioral Health Screening Program
These free screenings are completely anonymous, private, easily accessible, and quick to complete. They are a tool to check in on a key part of your overall health – your behavioral health – which includes mental health, substance use, and more. They will help you understand if what you have been thinking and feeling may be associated with a common, treatable behavioral health issue. Immediately following each screening you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources. Take a confidential screening today at www.btshelp.org/screening, or tell a friend or colleague who also might benefit.
Put Together Your Toolbox Talk
The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative wants language about mental health and respectful workplaces to become a part of every toolbox talk or safety briefing because psychological safety is as important as physical safety. It’s not always an easy subject to talk about though, so to make it easier for those delivering these talks they are suggesting topics and providing sample language that can be used as is or tailored to fit individual needs. They also have a series of pre-scripted 90-120 second Toolbox Talks if you would rather use that approach. Further information from Behind the Scenes’ on Toolbox Talks: btshelp.org/toolboxtalks