World Mental Health Day Resources from Behind the Scenes

World Mental Health Day is October 10th. Here we explore valuable resources available for workers in the entertainment industry available through Behind the Scenes. The Behind the Scenes Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving the well-being of entertainment technology professionals. They promote mental health through the BTS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative to create a healthier and more supportive industry for everyone. Remember, help is always available – don't hesitate to reach out. Find quick links to U.S. resources here and Canadian Resources here.

BTS Resources

Mental Health First Aid Training: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a crisis, and help connect them to the appropriate care. Find a course through Behind the Scenes in the U.S. or AFC in Canada. This training is eligible for reimbursement through the Certification Reimbursement program.

#BeThe1To Help Save a Life: Download Know the Warning Signs posters, graphics, and wallet cards to help prevent suicide. These resources are available in English, Spanish, and French and refer to both U.S. and Canadian organizations.

Toolbox Talks: Find sample language on mental health and respectful workplaces for toolbox talks or company meetings, including suggested topics, sample language that you can adapt to fit your needs, brief pre-written talks, and one-sheets.

Anonymous Self-Assessment Screening: Behavioral health self-assessment screenings are a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about could benefit from the help and support of a mental health professional. These free screenings are completely anonymous and private, easily accessible, and quick to complete.

Alcohol and Substance Use and Abuse Resources: These tips and tools can help you, a co-worker, a friend, or a loved one deal with alcohol and drug use. You can equip yourself to respond to signs of substance use in the workplace with Naloxone Training and BTS Substance Use Task Group’s Webinar on Understanding Substance Use and Abuse in the Entertainment Industry.

Stop Bullying and Harassment: Register for a free webinar and learn how to safely intervene if you see a co-worker being bullied or intimidated and download posters, one-sheets, and brochures.

Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder: Find a therapist who understands what you do for a living and the associated stresses and challenges. The Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder only includes listings for mental health professionals who have previously worked with clients in the entertainment industry or who have personal professional experience in the industry themselves.

24/7 Mental Health Hotlines

United States

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources. 988

  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Provides treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • SAMHSA's Disaster Distress Helpline: This multilingual, crisis support service is available to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. 1-800-985-5990

  • Crisis Text Hotline: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor from anywhere in the United States, anytime.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Crisis intervention, safety planning, and information on domestic violence. Call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) or text START to 88788.

  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: Provides safe and confidential services by connecting callers to local sexual assault service providers. 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Provides a single point of access to problem gambling help for callers anywhere in the U.S. Text 800GAM or call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-522-4700)

  • The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Text START to 678678 or call 1-866-488-7386.

  • Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources they need to survive and thrive. 1-877-565-8860

Canada

  • Talk Suicide Canada: Talk Suicide Canada provides free, confidential support to anyone who is thinking about suicide or is worried about someone. Call 1-833-456-4566. Residents of Quebec are encouraged to call 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553). Canada will adopt 988 as a three-digit number for suicide prevention on November 30, 2023.

  • Wellness Together Canada: Free mental health and substance use support for people in Canada and Canadians abroad. Call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 for immediate crisis support.

  • Hope for Wellness Helpline: Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. 1-855-242-3310

ResourcesLuz Vazquez