Support Across Social Distance

4 min read • first published • updated
Sam Wall

The current pandemic is stressful all on its own. But for many of us – very much including young people who aren’t living independently – the stress of the situation is amplified by some of the realities of social distancing.

It cuts some of us off from our support networks, from friends, from people we’re dating. It places others in home situations are that anywhere from just not good to unsafe, to outright abusive. It amplifies many kinds of pre-existing mental illness.  It throws off the routines that make life a bit easier to get through.

With that in mind, here is a list of some accessible, international supports that you or others can access during this time. You don’t have to be totally isolated or disconnected in order to stay safe and keep others safe: these services and helps are ways to connect while still keeping your physical distance.

Our direct services right here at Scarleteen – including our text line at (206) 866-2279 – are always here for you, first and foremost. You can come to us with questions about sex⁠, sexuality, identity⁠ or relationships as usual, but we’re also here if you need a space to vent, process, or just talk with someone about everything or anything that’s going on for you right now in this extra-difficult time. We are also all working hard to keep up with all of the most accurate and current information about Coronavirus/COVID-19, so can answer any questions or concerns you may have about the virus or the pandemic.

General Mental Health Support Helplines

  • Australia: The SANE Helpline: 1800 688 382
  • Australia: Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
  • Canada: Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668 6868
  • India: iCALL Psychosocial Helpline: +91-22-25563291
  • Malaysia: Befrienders Hotline: 03-79568144 or 03-79568145
  • South Africa: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group: 0800 20 50 26
  • United Kingdom: MIND infoline: 0300 123 3393
  • United Kingdom: Anxiety UK Helpline: 08444 775 774
  • United States: National Mental Health Association Hotline: 800-273-8255

Queer and Trans Helplines and Other Resources

Support for Unsafe Home/Living Situations

Supports for Those Who Need Abortion or Other Time-Sensitive Reproductive Health Care

Support for People With Disabilities

resources
COVID-19
mental health
safety
abortion
disability

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