BILLINGS — The nonprofit group Mental Health America of Montana has extended hours for the mental health warmline as a response to stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The organization can be reached at 1(877) 688-3377 from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. On weekdays, according to the group's web site. In addition, the warmline will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
"For Montanans who live far away from services, there are few options for receiving support for mental illness without traveling long distances. Since 2009, Mental Health America of Montana has created a 'Virtual Drop-in Center,' which utilizes the telephone and internet to provide home-based support services for people with mental illness," Mental Health America of Montana's website reads.
A mental health warmline is different from a hotline. A warmline provides early intervention with emotional support that can avert a mental health crisis, while a hotline is a resource for those in immediate crisis, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Mental Health America of Montana also has a line for the youth to reach out about their mental health at 406-587-7774.
The group has also made available for free a guide containing tips to keep mentally healthy while the world is dealing with COVID-19. Access it by clicking here.
The guide contains sections on processing grief from the loss of a loved one, eliminating toxic influences and establishing a positive routine among others.