A word on this project:
The first time I was hospitalized for mental health issues, I was 13. The first time I took a pen to paper however, I can’t recall. I was a prolific writer of words and stories in my elementary school’s young authors program, and published as many books as I could. I like to imagine that poems as a tonic came to me before I knew what the tonic was called, that it flowed like air in and out of my heart and lungs.
Writing and poetry became my soul balm as the hospitalizations and residential treatment stacked up over time through my teens, and a couple of times in my early and mid-twenties. The only living prayer my heart has ever been able to speak without hesitation has been to lear how to speak the moments of pain into medicine, into truth, into hope for all of us
Who have known the darkness
Who have known the edge of the abyss
Who have wanted to wither away
Who have cried themselves to sleep
And have awoken the next morning to find their chests just a little lighter and their heart ever so slowly weaving itself back together again.
These times are heavy, so let us speak love into one another; we are never truly alone. May you remember the beauty that you are and are meant for. May these words bring you some medicine.
May you know how precious and valuable you are.
You are so deeply loved.
All my love,
Renn
Mental Health and Community Resources in Portland, Oregon:
- Hopeline Network 800-SUICIDE
- Portland Women’s Crisis Line 888-235-5333
- Clackamas County Crisis Line 503-655-8585 (ask for a crisis counselor)
- Multnomah County Crisis Line 503-988-4888
- Washington County Crisis Line 503-291-9111
- Lines for Life 800-273-8255
- Call To Safety 1-888-235-5333
- Senior Loneliness Line 503-2001633
- NAMI Oregon 800-343-6264 or 503-230-8009
- Aging, Disability, and Veteran Hotline 503-988-3646 (ADRC)
- Mental Health Crisis Intervention 503-988-4888
- People With I/DD Victims of
- Abuse Reporting 1-855-503-SAFE (7233)
- Avel Gordly Center for Healing (Black, African, African American,
- and Southeast Asian Community) 503-494-4745
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB or the Board)
- 503-228-4185
- NAYA Family Center Healing Circle 503-288-8177 x 219
- Russian Oregon Social Services 503- 777-3437
- South Asian Women’s Empowerment & Resources Alliance
- 503-778-7386
Jewish Community Resources:
SOVRI Helpline 888-613-1613
Mask 718- 758-0400
Jewish Family and Child Services PDX 503-226-7079
Blue Dove Foundation
Jewish Family Service, Seattle
National Mental Health resources:
- Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the US. Trained crisis counselors are available at all hours of the day.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- The Trevor Project 866-488-7386(young adult crisis line)
- LGBTQ National Hotline 888-843-4564
- Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860
- StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-762-8483
- National Eating Disorders Association Helpline 800-931-2237
- Casa de Esperanza (Línea de Crisis 24 horas en Espanol)
- 651-772-1611
- Americans With Disabilities Hotline 1-800-949-4232
- Friendship Line for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
- 1-800-971-0016
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Domestic Abuse Hotline 1-800-621-HOPE
- SAGE LGBT National Senior Hotline 1-888-234-7243
- Listen One 602-786-8840 (Text)
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 1-800-959-8277
- Self-Harm Hotline 1-800-366-8288
- AIDS Crisis Line 1-800- 221-7044
- Planned Parenthood Hotline 1-800-230-7526
- Military Helpline 1-888-457-4838 (888-HLP-4-VET)
Helpful Websites/Other Resources:
The National Queer and Trans
Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) (website w/ resources)
7 Cups
Familias en Accion
WERNATIVE: For Native Youth, By Native Youth’