I'm worried about a loved one who is a healthcare worker. How can I help?

Exploring NAMI’s Health Care Professionals webpage is a great place to start. It provides information for family members and peers of healthcare workers, like tips for having a caring conversation about their mental health, what to do when you’re worried about them, and resources for connecting to help.

Healthcare workers have a hard job that comes with a lot of stress. You can be helpful by checking in with your loved one about how they are doing, joining them in activities that encourage wellness and resilience, and helping them find treatment and support when they need it.

You might experience your own mental health challenges as the caregiver or friend of a healthcare worker. Know that it’s OK for you to get help and support, too.

Resources to support the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers and their families are listed below.

Healthcare Worker Mental Health Resources

The American College of Emergency Physicians has a Mental Health Resources for Physicians webpage that lists resources for understanding physician burnout and supporting physician wellness.
American Nurses Foundation Well-Being Initiative offers tools and resources to support the mental health and resilience of all nurses.
The Battle Within offers a therapy program that matches veterans, first responders, and frontline medical personnel with a therapist and covers the cost of their first six sessions. This structured support is designed to help individuals process trauma and establish healthy habits as part of their healing journey.
The Emotional PPE Project connects health care workers with licensed mental health professionals who can help. This service is free and does not require insurance.
Responder Strong offers support for healthcare workers, other emergency responders, and their families including referrals, self-help tools and educational resources.
911 At Ease International provides access to free, trauma-informed counseling for first responders and families, including emergency medical personnel. You can access help online or by calling their 24/7 Support Line at (888) 283-2734.

If you believe your loved one may be experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, we encourage you to help them connect with crisis services right away.

Mental Health Crisis Resources

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential crisis counseling 24/7/365 just by dialing 988.
- To reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for Veterans, select "1"
- To reach Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (Spanish) select "2"
- Lifeline Options for Deaf + Hard of Hearing for TTY Users: use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. You may also text 988, or chat function is available here at 988Lifeline.org.
Crisis Text Line also offers free 24/7 mental health support. Text “HOME” to 741741 for help.
Safe Call Now is a confidential 24-hour crisis referral service for first responders, emergency services personnel, medical professionals, and their family members nationwide. They can be reached at (206) 459-3020.

Peer Support and Education

As a concerned friend or family member, it’s important to know that help is available and recovery is possible. You might consider attending a NAMI Family-to-Family course or joining a NAMI Family Support Group at your local NAMI Affiliate to connect with other friends and family members of loved ones affected by mental health conditions and learn strategies to support your loved one.

We are so glad you found this information. NAMI HelpLine offers a Family Caregiver Service. It brings together family caregivers with shared experiences and equips HelpLine Specialists with knowledge and insights into what helps. If you are a family caregiver and would like support from a peer, we encourage you to call the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine at 800-950-NAMI (6264) or send a text to 62640. We are available Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm EST.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST

Call: 800-950-NAMI (6264)

Text: 62640

Email: helpline@nami.org

Website: www.nami.org/help