You are not alone
Get support now
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 (or your local emergency number) right now.
The Next Hero is a storytelling project — we're not a crisis service, and we can't provide counseling, emergency help or financial aid. The people below can, right now, for free, and you don't need insurance or a diagnosis to call.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US)
Call or text 988
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or substance use crises.
988lifeline.orgCrisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 text-based support with a trained crisis counselor. Also available in Canada (686868) and the UK (85258).
www.crisistextline.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
24/7 confidential support and safety planning for anyone experiencing abuse.
www.thehotline.orgSAMHSA National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357
24/7 free referrals for mental health and substance use treatment, including for people with no insurance.
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline211
Call or text 211
Local help with housing, food, utilities, eviction, childcare and emergency financial assistance.
www.211.orgVeterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1
Confidential support for veterans, service members and their families.
www.veteranscrisisline.netFindahelpline.com
Outside the US
Verified crisis helplines in more than 130 countries.
findahelpline.comIf you shared something heavy in your submission, our team may reach out with these same resources. You can ask us to remove your story at any time — just reply to any email from The Next Hero team.