Resources

Losing a family member is one of the hardest events we can experience. Deciding whether or not to donate organs or tissues can also be hard. It is normal for people to benefit from extra support during or after these experiences. Below are some mental health resources that can be helpful.

Please contact any of these organizations for help if you or someone you know could use extra support. If you or anyone you know is thinking about hurting themselves or anyone else, please immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room before doing anything else. After calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room, you can also call or text The Lifeline at 988. This is a free, confidential support resource for anyone who is experiencing thoughts about hurting themselves. This service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The resources below are also available for additional help.

Family Grief Resources

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

This is a free, confidential resource that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This service is part of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health. This service can offer referrals and information regarding mental health and/or substance abuse.

Mental Health America

This website is operated by an organization called Mental Health America. This website has information about staying mentally healthy, finding mental health referrals, and how to support people who are experiencing mental health challenges or grief. This website also has some online screening tools for mental health concerns.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

This website is operated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The website provides information about mental health concerns, including warning signs and symptoms. The website also provides resources for children, teenagers, and adults living with mental illness as well as their friends and family members. Finally, if you click on the “Support & Education” tab near the top of the screen and then click on “Support Groups,” you can find information about support groups that could be helpful.

Grief Share

This website is operated by Grief Share, an organization that helps people find support groups near their homes to help cope with grief and loss. On this website, you can enter your city/state or postal code and the website will provide a list of free grief support groups in your area. Support groups can be a good way to meet other people who are experiencing or have experienced grief and loss and can help some people feel more supported as they cope with grief and/or loss.