Healing and Support
Alaskans across the state who have experienced racialized violence may be struggling to cope with ongoing injustice and its depiction on the news and social media. Our resilience can be stretched thin or we may be at our emotional or mental capacity for dealing with this collective trauma. The Alaska Afterschool Network recognizes that to promote the health and wellness of youth throughout the state, we must do our part to alleviate the stress and tension weighing on our adult and youth populations alike. This webpage contains mental health resources and support groups to grapple with and confront despair and mental health challenges.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 or go immediately to your local emergency room.
Alaska Careline Crisis Intervention Line 1-877-266-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Toolkit
July is Bebe Moore National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and Mental Health America has created a Blacks, indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month toolkit. This toolkit includes:
Links to updated information
Lists of resources specifically for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities
Handouts on racism and mental health and racial trauma
An infographic built from MHA screening data on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ mental health
A call to action for people to share how discrimination and/or racism have affected their mental health using the hashtag #ImpactofTrauma
Alaska Behavioral Health
Formerly Anchorage/Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services
Alaska Behavioral Health serves children and adults who experience a wide range of mental health issues, including children who experience severe emotional disturbance and adults with severe mental illness, with or without co-occurring substance use. Every day there are stories of children and adults getting better and overcoming the impact of mental illness on their lives. Recovery is possible.
In addition to providing direct care supports for individuals of any age, Alaska Behavioral Health staff and volunteers join with the individuals who choose our programs to advocate for fair and equitable treatment. The stigma about mental illness and addiction is real and the road to recovery is more challenging due to general misconceptions and prejudices. ABH Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and consumers are committed to ending the stigma and celebrating the contributions of all Alaska residents.
Trauma Survivors Network - Violence Support Groups
This compilation of violence support groups contains 30 support groups for coping with violence.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. These resources include:
Providence Health and Services - Bereavement Support
Grief crosses all boundaries. When you are ready, it may be very helpful for you to be among other people who have also suffered the loss of a loved one. Being with others who have shared a similar loss can feel like a gift. It will allow you to learn from each other and find ways in which your lives can be made less painful. Other people who have experienced loss may be able to offer support and comfort, while sharing in your grief. Often, great relief can be found among those who know the road we are on, the rugged terrain over which we are traveling and what is required to make that journey.