Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, it feels like we have been bombarded online with graphic information and images about the situation. the horrors unfolding in the Middle East.
The war has flooded news and social media, in some cases sowing political division. Trauma is increased for those directly affected by conflict, but anyone can be affected and experience vicarious trauma. Today the BBC recognized the toll of the war supports its staff and provides more mental health support.
If you feel like your mental health has been negatively affected by the ongoing conflict, here’s who you can contact for support.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA manages a Disaster Distress Toll-free, multilingual, 24/7 helpline for all residents of the United States and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or man-made disasters. This includes disaster survivors, victims’ loved ones, first responders, first responders, emergency responders, clergy, parents and caregivers who are calling on their own or someone else’s behalf.
Each central regional Disaster Distress Helpline center has crisis counselors trained to listen and offer support to people in emotional crisis, the agency says.
You can speak to an advisor right away by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. For deaf and hard of hearing callers, you can call the same number from a videophone or access a video conference call online by following this link on the government website.
If you are interested in receiving mental health treatment or therapy, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. The free, confidential information service, available 24/7, in English and Spanish, for individuals and their family members experiencing mental and/or substance use disorders , provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups and community organizations.
You can also visit SAMHSA online treatment locatoror text your postcode to 435748 to find help near you.
Learn more: How to help victims of the Israel-Hamas war
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is a global platform non-profit organisation which provides text message access to a crisis counselor. It is staffed by volunteers who undergo a multi-step application process, background check, and training program, then are supervised by staff with a master’s degree in a relevant field or corresponding experience in crisis intervention. says the organization. The service is available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland.
If you are in the United States, text HOME to 741741 to speak with a crisis counselor, use WhatsApp or a message online.
In Canada, send an SMS CONNECT at 686868. The line is managed jointly with Kids Help Phone.
Extract from the British text SHOUT at 85258. Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For Irelandsend HOME to 50808.
Find a helpline
No matter where you are in the world, use this search engine to find a mental health helpline by country, region and/or topic. Mental Health Care Company ThroughLinewho has in partnership with Googleverifies and publishes the tool online.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
In the United States you can contact the NAMI helpline communicate with a volunteer. Connect by phone at 1-800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640, or cat online. It is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
NAMI too publishes a resource directory where you find online and in-person help by topic and runs local chapters where you can participate in support groups in person.
Find mental health therapy online or in person
If you’re in the United States and looking for more personalized, ongoing mental health therapy, it can be difficult to find or afford a therapist, especially if you don’t have health insurance.
The American Psychiatric Association manages a database where you can search for a psychiatrist near you. The American Psychological Association refers to its state chapters where you can find therapists by location, including, in some states, tracking those who work pro bono or on a sliding scale. If you don’t have insurance, the federal government recommends looking for a community health center near you that may offer free or low-cost mental health care.
National Nonprofit Network Open psychotherapy collective is another option that provides therapy at a reduced cost to the uninsured or underinsured. Pay a $65 lifetime membership fee, then schedule with a therapist for $40 to $70 per session, with $30 intern sessions available. You can join the network and find a therapist online.
