In Crisis?
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
Find Helplines for Different Needs
Find helplines for different needs, including substance abuse, LGBT+, domestic violence and others.
These sites offer information on various mental health conditions, including diagnosis, treatment, support resources, care providers and facilities:
This national nonprofit nonprofit offers information, ways to get help, and screening tests for different conditions. The New Jersey affiliate organization offers additional resources, including Union County programs and services.
This site from the National Library of Medicine provides reliable, up-to-date information written in plain language. Topic pages are organized to make it easier to locate specific information such as diagnosis and treatment.
From the US Department of Health & Human Services, SAMHSA provides a treatment locator and Crisis hotline numbers.
NAMI is a nonprofit organization providing information, support and advocacy for those with mental illness, as well as for families and friends. The New Jersey chapter offers local support resources.
Sponsored by the nonprofit Prevention Links, this is a 24/7 peer recovery support hotline for adult Union County residents with substance abuse disorder. Services offered also include connection and transport to treatment.
This private, nonprofit mental health agency is dedicated to providing quality and affordable counseling and psychoeducational services to children, adolescents and adults, individuals and families.
The American Psychology Association provides a searchable directory to help you find a psychologist near you.
These resources offer information on specific common mental health conditions:
Anxiety Disorders
“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. …But for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming.” (MedlinePlus)
The different types of anixiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Phobias. Sources of information on anxiety disorders include:
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Books about Anxiety
Depression
“Life is full of ups and downs, but when you feel sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time for at least 2 weeks or those feelings keep you from your regular activities, you may have depression.” Office on Women’s Health
Sources of information on depression include:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Office on Women’s Health
- Books on Depression
Bipolar Disorder
“Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.” NIMH
Sources of information on bipolar disorder include:
- Books on Bipolar Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Office on Women’s Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (Support)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real disorder that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event…PTSD makes you feel stressed and afraid after the danger is over. It affects your life and the people around you.” SAMHSA
Sources of information on post-traumatic stress disorder include:
- Books on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Veteran’s Affairs: National Center for PTSD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
“Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.” NIMH
Sources of information on obsessive-compulsive disorder include:
- Books on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Office on Women’s Health
- International OCD Foundation
The information provided by Scotch Plains Public Library and its employees does not imply medical recommendation, endorsement or approval. Information from these sources are intended for use as general information. All consumer health information should be reviewed with your health care professional for clarification about how this information may or may not apply to your unique clinical situation or overall health.