GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan's "Be Nice" program is partnering with the Crisis Text Line to provide mental health resources.
You can now text "nice" to 741741 for free and anonymous mental-health support 24/7. The Mental Health Foundation says suicide rates tend to increase in the spring.
According to a foundation news release:
Suicide rates increase in April, May, and June. Spring can be a difficult time for those struggling with their mental health. It’s important we are vigilant and supportive when we notice someone showing concerning changes.
Why This Matters
The keyword “nice” will be tracked and the MHF will be given insights into the topics and concerns the texters we serve are facing. These insights will help keep our education materials relevant. It’s our goal to help as many individuals as possible with our mental health action plan, be nice., and a part of how we do this is by staying up on current trends, stressors, and issues our communities are experiencing.
Making Help Accessible
It’s our hope that by providing an easy-to-remember, complimentary word to the be nice. program, texters will feel more inclined to utilize this resource.
The Main Takeaway
If there’s one thing we want individuals to know about this resource, it’s to encourage them to think of this number as a friend who is there whenever they need them. Only a small percentage of individuals who text the line is experiencing a life-threatening crisis. Most users are looking for someone to help talk them through a negative experience or current problem they’re facing.