When more people in our community are educated on mental health and its importance, we destigmatize those who suffer from mental health issues.

According to VCU School of Medicine, the average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment. 

Here are some ways to fight stigma and seek help:

Seek help: Don't let fear of judgment stop you from getting the help you need.

Share your story: Speaking with someone, like a licensed professional or trusted friend, can help you break down your feelings together.

Therapy: Therapy is a powerful tool to heal the mind.

Fast Facts (From NAMI Toolkit)

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.

• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year, and only two-thirds receive treatment.

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment.

• 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

• The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.

• 122 million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. In 2020, 1 in 5 young people reported that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health.

• In 2020, there was a 31% increase in mental health-related emergency department visits among adolescents.

• As of 2021, 1 in 10 young people under age 18 experienced a mental health condition following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

• More than three-quarters of Americans (76%) say they are not content with the status of mental health treatment in this country. 

• 7 in 10 Americans (72%) agree that people with mental health conditions face discrimination in their everyday life. 

• Only half of Americans (53%) say they are familiar with the U.S. mental health care system. 

Data from SAMHSA, CDC, and others. Find sources for this resource at nami.org/mhstats and in NAMI’s Poll of Public Perspectives on 988 & Crisis Response (2023).

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org or dial 988 to be connected to a trained mental health counselor. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being. 

Along with the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Charlotte for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:

Publishers: Need ideas for places to check for crisis and suicide prevention help in your town? Try:

• Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has school-based mental health services in several of its schools. You can find the full list at this link. This program allows students to receive mental health services during the school day. These services are provided by community mental health partners who have more extensive training than school-based counselors. You can learn more about this program at this link. 

• NAMI Charlotte: Mobile Crisis line 1-704-566-3410. NAMI provides support to people struggling with mental health issues and their families. It also helps provide community education, advocates for equal treatment in healthcare and the workplace for people with mental illnesses, and so much more. You can learn more about the services that NAMI Charlotte offers and get involved by visiting its website. 

• Atrium Health Behavioral Health: This is a 24-hour psychiatric mental emergency room facility in our area. This facility provides services for inpatient and outpatient needs. 
  501 Billingsley Road
  Charlotte, NC 28211
  Phone: 704-444-2400

• The Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care: The BHUC is open 24/7/365. No appointment is needed, and a person can walk in.  A person may be experiencing a crisis or need intervention to prevent a crisis.

616 Colonnade Drive
Charlotte, NC 28205

Phone: 704.273.3942

• Teen Health Connection: This facility is dedicated to local teens' mental and physical health. It provides behavioral and healthcare services. Teen Health Connection has a Center for Disordered Eating, a Center for Gender Health, and Teens and Tots for teen parents. Teen Health Connection also partners with Atrium Health.

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You can exhaust yourself when you start looking into available services. Understanding resources that are available to you or someone you love when they are in need is important.

Resources

You can exhaust yourself when you start looking into available services. Understanding resources that are available to you or someone you love when they are in need is important.

Hotlines:

https://cit.mecknc.gov/emergency-contacts

Suicide Prevention/Crisis Line

988

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 24hr

704-332-4387

Alliance Health

800-510-9132

Alzheimer's Association 24hr

800-272-3900

Atrium Health 24hr Call Center

704-444-2400

Child Protective Services

980-31-HELPS (43577)

Domestic Violence Hotline (National)

800-799-7233

Human Trafficking Resource Center

888-373-7888

Magistrate's Office (24-Hours)

704-686-0050

Mobile Crisis Services: Mental Health Crisis

704-566-3410 (opt. 1)

NAMI Charlotte

704-333-8218 (local) / 800-950-6264 (national)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 24hr

980-200-9349

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

800-273-TALK (8255)

NCServes: Support for Active Military, Veterans, and Families

855-425-8838

Novant 24-hr Behavioral Health Crisis/Referral

704-384-4255

Safe Alliance Crisis Hotline: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

980-771-4673

Safe Alliance Victim's Assistance

704-312-2513

Social Security Administration

800-772-1213

Suicide Text Line

text Hello to 741741

The Arc of NC (IDD Help):

800-662-8706

The Relatives Hotline (youth & teens)

704-377-0602

Treatment Court (Step)

980-314-1950

Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQIA suicide helpline)

866-488-7386

Veterans Crisis Hotline

988 press 1

Veterans Homeless Hotline

877-424-3838

Veteran Service Office (VSO)

704-336-2102

Victim’s Assistance and Rape Crisis

704-375-9900

Warm Line (PRN) Peer Support

833-390-7728

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