Mental Health

Mental health is an important part of a comprehensive understanding of health and wellness.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (2-1-1 New Jersey’s Mental Health Resources)

The Livingston Health Department suggests the following resources to help you learn about and care for your mental health.

Please consult your healthcare provider for more information, recommendations/referrals, and resources.

Crisis

ResourceContact

New Jersey Mental Health Cares 

Translation services available

  • Call 866-202-4357 (HELP)
  • TTY line: 877-294-4356
  • Text NJHOPE to 51684
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am – 8 pm
  • or email help@njmentalhealthcares.org

NJ Hopeline (24/7 Peer Support & Suicide Prevention Hotline)

Specialists are available for confidential telephone counseling and support 24/7
  • Call 1-855-654-6735
  • Hours: 24/7

Find a Screening/Crisis Center (NJ Department of Human Services)

No appointment needed. Mobile outreach teams available.


Crisis Text Line 

Free 24/7 support

  • Text ‘NJ” to 741741
  • Hours: 24/7

Family Helpline

Available 24/7 - Sensitive, trained volunteers provide empathic listening about parenting and refer you to resources in your community
  • Call 1-800-843-5437
  • Hours: 24/7

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

24/7 free and confidential support

  • Call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or 988
  • Beginning July 16, 2022, anyone in the United States may dial or text 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  The current lifeline phone number 1-800-273-8255 will remain available as well.
  • or chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/

Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential access to domestic violence information and services, including crisis intervention, referral, and advocacy. Bilingual and accessible to the deaf and hearing impaired.
  • Call 1-800-572-7233 (SAFE)
  • Hours: 24/7

Reach NJ Addictions Hotline

Connects individuals who need counseling to live, trained addiction experts who answer the 24/7 hotline and get callers help, regardless of insurance status.
  • Call 844-732-2465
  • Hours: 24/7
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

24/7 free and confidential hotline for pregnant women and new mothers.  Available in multiple languages.		Call or Text: 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
2nd Floor Youth Helpline
24/7 helpline for youth and young adults.		Call or Text: 888-222-2228
The Trevor Project
24/7 free helpline for LGBTQ youth and young adults		Text "START" to 678-678 or
Call 1-866-488-7386
Mom 2 Mom
Hotline for mothers of children with special needs in need of support
Hotline Available Mon-Fri from 8:30am-8:00pm		Call 1-877-914-6662
or visit their website to chat or send an email


Resources for Children/Teens/Young Adults

Resource for Veterans

NJ Vet2Vet (Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care) is a toll-free helpline for veterans suffering from psychological or emotional distress: 866-VETS-NJ4 (866-838-7654)

NJ Parent Link: Military Families various resources for those who are in the military or have family members in the military.

Stress

We all experience stress at some point, but sometimes the amount of stress can be overwhelming.  Below are some tips that can help with managing stress.

  • Exercise: Set aside time to exercise and find an exercise that you enjoy.  Go for a walk/run, ride a bike, hike, do an online class or a workout video at home.  It is recommended that adults get about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Make sure to consume a healthy diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, etc.  Visit choosemyplate.gov to make sure you are getting the right amount of servings from each food group and for more information.
  • Find time to relax: Do something relaxing such as mediation, deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi, or even take a nap.
  • Manage your Time:  Create a schedule and prioritize what you need to do each day.
  • Do activities you enjoy: Spend some time doing an activity that you enjoy such as cooking, gardening, watching a movie, reading a book, listening to music, or drawing/painting.  Try a new activity – you may discover something new that you enjoy doing.
  • Laugh more: Laughter can help with reducing stress, consider watching a show that makes you laugh.
  • Get enough sleep:  Most adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep each night.  Getting enough sleep can help you focus and perform tasks better.  If you are having trouble sleeping, visit the Sleep Foundation’s website at sleepfoundation.org for tips.
  • Talk to others: Talk to friends/family members – when you can’t see them in person, you can communicate by phone or video chat.

Support Groups: Bereavement

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, there is support available: NJ 2-1-1 Bereavement Support Groups

More Information & Resources