Mental health and wellness can affect how we think, feel, and act. They can also determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. When people experience positive mental health and well-being, they can realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Be sure to check out our other web pages related to this topic, including the Benefits of Quiet and Silence, Live Healthy Live Well, Mindfulness, Nature Matters, Side Effects of Singulair/Montelukast, and Mental Health First Aid.

In addition, you can check out these OSU Extension articles written by Laura Stanton, our Family and Consumer Sciences Educator. Each of these articles touches on issues related to mental health and wellness.

Happiness Resources

Action for Happiness
www.actionforhappiness.org (website)

Greater Good Science Center
www.ggsc.berkeley.edu (website)

The Science of Well-Being
A free, online course offered by Yale University

Your Blueprint for Happiness: Five Principles for Building a Better Life (PDF) University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension

Warren County Mental Health Resource Guide (PDF)

Ohio Mental Health Resources

Ohio Care Line: (800) 720-9616
The Ohio CareLine is a toll-free emotional support call service created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and administered in community settings. Behavioral health professionals staff the CareLine 24 hours a day, 7 days/week. They offer confidential support in times of personal or family crisis when individuals may be struggling to cope with challenges in their lives. When callers need additional services, they will receive assistance and connections to local providers.

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Find a Mental Health Service Provider: https://mha.ohio.gov/Families-Children-and-Adults/Get-Help/Find-Mental-Health-Service-Providers 

Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone) Sites by County: 
Anyone in Ohio can obtain free naloxone and overdose response education through Project DAWN locations. To find a site near you, use the List of Project DAWN Locations by County.

Harm Reduction Ohio: https://www.harmreductionohio.org/get-naloxone  
Harm Reduction Ohio Has a mail-order Naloxone kit program. The Ohio Department of Health is currently supplying Harm Reduction Ohio with enough of the overdose-reversing drug naloxone to fulfill all online orders at no cost to Ohio residents.

Equitas Health TeleHealth & TeleCounseling: https://equitashealth.com/services-page-content/telehealth 
Equitas Health is now offering medical, psychiatry, and counseling TeleHealth appointments for new and current patients and clients.

Equitas Health LGBTQ+ Health Provider Guide: https://equitashealthinstitute.com/publications/provider-guide 
Find Health and social service providers who are committed to providing LGBTQ+-centered care. This guide is to be used as a reference only, Equitas Health makes no assurances about any providers listed. All information is based on self-reported information gathered by each provider.

National Mental Health Helplines and Websites

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or visit 988.lifeline.org for resources and/or chat

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 

For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Lifeline Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat

Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.

Crisis Text Line: Text “MHFA” to 741741
Available 24/7, 365 days a year, this organization helps people with mental health challenges by connecting callers with trained crisis volunteers who will provide confidential advice, support, and referrals if needed.

The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or Text “START” to 678678
Trained counselors are available 24/7 to support youth who are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk. Specializing in supporting the LGBTQI+ community. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline. Visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org

National Sexual Assault 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or 1-800-656-HOPE, https://ohl.rainn.org/online

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

Finding a Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Provider:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help

SAMHSA provides information on mental health services and treatment centers through an online service locator. You can search by your location, whether or not they provide services for youth, payment options (private insurance, cash, or something else), languages spoken, etc.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support. There is Hope. Just call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You are not alone. #988Lifeline 

988 graphic