Peer Support Text Helpline Now Available for Maine Teens

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for many of us. It's a lot to reconcile with; people getting sick, job loss, ourselves being at risk, taking care of our families, etc. Even the strongest of us adults have needed some help along the way.

Also struggling are the youth of Maine.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) has rolled out a new program in its Maine chapter aimed exclusively at teens.

While the state of Maine has long had the Intentional Warm Line (1-866-771-9276) for peer to peer support, making that call can just feel too much for some individuals. Especially teens.

NAMI's new Text Line is hoping to offer a similar service of what the Warm Line offers but via text. This service is available to those between the ages of 14 to 20 living here in Maine according to WAGM.

If you're a teen looking for some extra support you can text the support line at (207) 515-TEXT (8398). Someone between the ages of 19 and 23 will be available between the hours of 12 pm and 10 pm every day to help you. Maybe you just need to hear a friendly voice, vent, or not feel alone in whatever you're going through.

This service is only for teens and for those needing support. If you are in crisis the Maine Crisis Line is 1-888-568-1112 via phone.