May is Mental Health Month.
While we often focus on our physical health, it is equally important to take care of our mental health. It has been a particularly difficult year, with COVID affecting many people’s mental health. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, or another mental illness, information is available. You can check out some of our materials or take a look at the resources below.
The library is now open for visitors to browse! We have metal health books and information on display on the second floor. If you are not comfortable entering the building, you can request items for curbside pickup during our regular hours (Monday-Thursday 9-9; Friday and Saturday 9-5). To reserve a book, place a request in the online catalog, fill out a request form, or call the reference desk at 978-674-4121.
Double click on an image for more information
Information on Mental Health Conditions and Medications
This is a go-to source for health information. Search for a variety of medical topics, drugs, and supplements. Information in languages other than English can be found here.
Use this site to see if your medications interact with each other.
Basic Information on mental health and mental disorders, including information specifically for veterans.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
This site has information on health disorders, including an overview, treatment, support, and discussion groups. If you are in crisis, call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI text “NAMI” to 741741.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
This site has information about complementary health products and practices.
National Institute of Mental Health
This agency, part of the NIH, has a list of mental health topics, statistics, brochures and fact sheets on various mental disorders, as well as information about clinical trials.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This agency, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, has a treatment locator, free publications, and additional information about substance abuse and mental illness.
Coping with Mental Illness
Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
Download this guide from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which includes factors that contribute to a mental health crisis, warning signs, strategies to de-escalate a crisis, resources, and more. It is available in English and Spanish.
Living Well with Serious Mental Illness
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has links to short videos about support and treatment for Serious Mental Illness, a behavioral health treatment locator, and a list of specialized hotlines to call if you are in crisis.
Mental Health Statistics
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a page with Mental Illness statistics.
Personal stories
People who struggle with mental illness have shared their stories with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They may inspire you to get help and remind you that you are not alone. Read their stories here.
If you find that reading other people’s stories is helpful, you can pay it forward and share your own story about mental health challenges.
Get Help—Service Providers and Hotlines
Center for Hope and Healing
978-452-7721
24-hour hotline 800-542-5212
Free counseling, advocacy, resources, and referrals for survivors of sexual assault.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line provides free 24/7 support from a crisis counselor to anyone in any type of crisis through text.
Lowell Community Health Center
978-937-9700
Lowell Community Health Center provides access to health care—including behavioral health services—regardless of ability to pay.
Lowell House
978-459-8656
Lowell House provides addiction treatment and recovery, including  Recovery Cafe Peer Support Groups.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Network of Care
Find behavioral health services in Massachusetts.
COVID-19 Resources
The resources listed below have mental health advice specific to living with the challenges of COVID-19.
CDC Stress and Coping Suggestions
Massachusetts Government Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Feeling Stressed or Anxious About the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tips for Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tips for Survivors of a Pandemic: Managing Stress
Estrés relacionado con COVID
¿Te sientes estresado o ansioso por la pandemia de COVID-19?
Consejos para manejar el estrés durante la pandemia de COVID-19
Cómo lidiar con el estrés durante un brote de una enfermedad contagiosa
If mental illness is interfering with your daily life and you cannot cope, know that help is available. Click here to determine if it is time to seek help. If you do need help, follow this link and scroll down to Mental Health, Emotional Health and Well-Being Resources.