The current pandemic is stressful all on its own. But for many of us -- very much including young people who aren't living independently -- the stress of the situation is amplified by some of the realities of social distancing.
It cuts some of us off from our support networks, from friends, from people we're dating. It places others in home situations are that anywhere from just not good to unsafe, to outright abusive. It amplifies many kinds of pre-existing mental illness. It throws off the routines that make life a bit easier to get through.
With that in mind, here is a list of some accessible, international supports that you or others can access during this time. You don't have to be totally isolated or disconnected in order to stay safe and keep others safe: these services and helps are ways to connect while still keeping your physical distance.
Our direct services right here at Scarleteen -- including our text line at (206) 866-2279 -- are always here for you, first and foremost. You can come to us with questions about sex , sexuality, identity or relationships as usual, but we're also here if you need a space to vent, process, or just talk with someone about everything or anything that's going on for you right now in this extra-difficult time. We are also all working hard to keep up with all of the most accurate and current information about Coronavirus/COVID-19, so can answer any questions or concerns you may have about the virus or the pandemic.
General Mental Health Support Helplines
- Australia: The SANE Helpline: 1800 688 382
- Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
- Canada: Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668 6868
- India: iCALL Psychosocial Helpline: +91-22-25563291
- Malaysia: Befrienders Hotline: 03-79568144 or 03-79568145
- South Africa: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group: 0800 20 50 26
- United Kingdom: MIND infoline: 0300 123 3393
- United Kingdom: Anxiety UK Helpline: 08444 775 774
- United States: National Mental Health Association Hotline: 800-273-8255
Queer and Trans Helplines and Other Resources
- Australia: Q Life
- Australia: Trans Hub COVID-19 page (provides updates on access to hormones and other trans-specific issues)
- India: Agents of Ishq Resource List (includes hotlines and other digital supports)
- United Kingdom: Mermaids
- United Kingdom: Switchboard
- United Kingdom: Validation Station
- U.S and Canada: Trans Lifeline: US: 877-565-8860/Canada: 877-330-6366
- U.S: LGBT National Helpline
- U.S: The Transgender Law Center (offers virtual gatherings and help in accessing necessary legal and medical intervention during the pandemic)
Support for Unsafe Home/Living Situations
- Our safety plan at Scarleteen for those living with someone abusive
- Australia: White Ribbon Resource Page
- India: Domestic Violence Hotlines
- United Kingdom: Refuge
- U.S: National Domestic Violence Hotline/Love is Respect
Supports for Those Who Need Abortion or Other Time-Sensitive Reproductive Health Care
- Many Countries: Women on Web/ Aid Access
- U.S and Canada: All Options: 1-888-493-0092
- U.S: Organizations providing contraception via mail
- At Scarleteen: How to Access a Safe, Self-Managed Medical Abortion
Support for People With Disabilities
- COVID-19 Stat Tracker for those with visual impairment
- COVID-19 Information by and for Disabled People
- Australia: People with Disability COVID-19 Hub
- Canada: Association for Community Living COVID-19 Resources
- European Disability Forum list of COVID-19 Resources
- U.S: Access Living Guide to COVID-19 Resources for the Disabled Community