When I was 16, my world transformed in two profound ways. I became a mother, and I began the journey of raising a child who—like me—experienced the world through a neurodivergent lens. Neither of us knew it then, but we were both autistic, navigating a world that wasn't designed for minds like ours. ## Two Space Cadets Finding Our Way They called me a "space cadet" long before I understood what it meant. Lost in thought, missing social cues, overwhelmed by sensory experiences others barely noticed—I lived in a different orbit from my peers. When my son came along, I recognized familiar patterns in him, though his autism expressed itself differently than mine. He was a bit less on the spectrum than me, but together, we formed our own constellation. What we lacked in traditional guidance, we made up for in understanding. When he couldn't bear the feel of certain fabrics, I didn't need an explanation. When I became overwhelmed in crowded spaces, he instinctively knew...
🚨 Crisis Resources
If you're in immediate danger, call 911 (US) or your local emergency services.
You are not alone. These resources provide immediate support when you need it most. All services listed are free and confidential.
🇺🇸 United States Resources
General Crisis Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text: 988
Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat
24/7 support for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress
Crisis Text Line
Text: HOME to 741741
24/7 text support for any crisis
SAMHSA National Helpline
Call: 1-800-662-4357
24/7 treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Specific Support
The Trevor Project
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: START to 678678
Chat: thetrevorproject.org
24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth under 25
Trans Lifeline
Call: 1-877-565-8860 (US) | 1-877-330-6366 (Canada)
Peer support hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning callers
LGBT National Hotline
Call: 1-888-843-4564
Mon-Fri 1pm-9pm PT, Sat 9am-2pm PT
👶 Youth & Teen Support
Boys Town National Hotline
Call or Text: 1-800-448-3819
24/7 for teens, parents, or anyone with a crisis (all genders welcome despite name)
Teen Line
Call: 1-800-852-8336 (6pm-10pm PT)
Text: TEEN to 839863 (6pm-9pm PT)
Teens helping teens
🎖️ Veterans Support
Veterans Crisis Line
Call: 988 then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net
24/7 support for veterans and their families
✊ BIPOC-Centered Support
The Steve Fund Crisis Text Line
Text: STEVE to 741741
Mental health support for young people of color
BlackLine
Call: 1-800-604-5841
Peer support and counseling for the Black community and allies
💊 Substance Use Support
SAMHSA National Helpline
Call: 1-800-662-4357
24/7 treatment referral service
Never Use Alone Hotline
Call: 1-800-484-3731
Harm reduction hotline - stay on the line while using to prevent overdose death
🏠 Domestic Violence Support
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 1-800-799-7233
Text: START to 88788
Chat: thehotline.org
24/7 support for domestic violence survivors
🛡️ Sexual Assault Support
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call: 1-800-656-4673
Chat: rainn.org
24/7 support for survivors of sexual violence
🌍 International Resources
Global Crisis Lines
🇨🇦 Canada
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (call) | Text: 45645
24/7 support in English and French
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Samaritans: 116 123 (free call)
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
24/7 emotional support
🇦🇺 Australia
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
24/7 crisis support and mental health services
🇮🇪 Ireland
Samaritans: 116 123 (free call)
24/7 listening service
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
1737: Call or text 1737
24/7 free call or text
🌐 Find Your Country
International Association for Suicide Prevention:
After the Crisis 💚
You survived. That takes incredible strength. Here are some gentle next steps:
- Rest without guilt—crisis takes enormous energy
- Reach out to your support system when ready
- Consider connecting with a trauma-informed therapist
- Practice basic self-care (water, food, sleep)
- Remember: seeking help is strength, not weakness
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If you’re in crisis, visit our Crisis Resources page for immediate support.