Crisis Support (Around the World)
All humans need help and support, especially crisis support, no matter where we travel or live in this world. So I want to share some free and affordable support that can be helpful…
Abuser/Psychopath Detection
As someone who spent a great portion of my life surrounded by abusers (and psychopaths), I had to learn safety skills—how to identify and handle these humans who harm. For the safety of humanity, I believe all good humans must learn to detect abusers (and psychopaths), too—to prevent them from obtaining power over anyone or anything … including courts and nations.
How To Call To and From Overseas
how to call to and from Europe
how to call another US cell phone in Europe
how to dial international calls from anywhere in the world
Emergency 911 Numbers Abroad
International ambulance, fire, and police numbers are listed in the following links. One must verify the accuracy of these numbers before one needs them. As always, English‐speaking operators may not be available.
wikipedia’s list of emergency telephone numbers around the world
adducation’s list of emergency telephone numbers around the world
brilliant maps’ list of emergency telephone numbers around the globe
Translating Important Messages
Free translate apps allow me to type a message in my language, then see that message in any language I am trying to speak. These apps can speak that message to me so I can practice saying it properly. Or I can play the recording of the message to those I’m trying to communicate. If face-to-face, I can hold up my phone and point to the message so the other party can read it. This helps me during emergencies and while learning languages.
Crisis + Suicide Helplines
Crisis and suicide helplines around the world are in this database—free text, email, chat, phone, and in-person support options for anyone in need of this. One enters their current location, refines it by region, and then clicks to see free helplines with free support options. Since many are 24/7, if there’s not a good local fit, one can choose any region that offers a better fit.
Human Trafficking Help
Human Trafficking Hotline is a free resource to help human trafficking victims and anyone who might know a human trafficking victim. This helpline exists to listen, support, take tips about anyone who might be a victim, and help one stay safe.
Domestic Abuse + Sexual Assault Support
Crisis phone support, advocacy, legal, counseling, and shelter support are free via local, national, and international domestic abuse and sexual assault nonprofits…
domestic violence help in Canada
sexual assault help in Canada
domestic violence and sexual assault nonprofits worldwide
As someone who has worked with clients in one of these organizations—and, unfortunately, next to executives who were found to abuse their roles—please know a well-run nonprofit offering these free services should happily ensure that…
all staff working with clients are former victims/survivors
all staff working with clients have already actively worked to heal their trauma
all staff working with clients have been trained in trauma-informed skills
all staff working with clients are actively using trauma-informed skills
all clients are given a list of trauma-informed support provided by staff
all clients are given a list of their rights—to confidentiality, respect, privacy
all clients work with one consistent advocate, so they don’t have to repeat their story
clients are listened to, believed, and given support resources
clients are never told what they should do
clients choose for themselves what they decide is best for them
all clients are given a supervisory (governmental oversight) phone number to confidentially report any wrong-doing on the part of the nonprofit, including one’s sense of emotional safety and any breaches of confidentiality
emotional first aid
distraction that can change one’s life
body language that can change one’s life
the surprising connection between brain injuries and crime
the space between self-esteem and self-compassion
understanding estrangement
When boundaries are not enough because they are not respected, sometimes estrangement is temporarily or permanently necessary to keep us safe. Here are some links that help share why this is typically a last resort—after years of unsuccessful attempts at trying to protect oneself…
Mental Health (and Trauma) Support
One’s medical doctor and health insurance organization are likely the ideal resources for obtaining mental health support, and I want to pass along these free online resources, too…
what is trauma?
what is trauma-informed care?
harvard on trauma-informed care
the science of trauma, mindfulness, and ptsd (“there’s nothing truly disordered about having a reaction to seeing atrocities and tragedies beyond our mind’s ability to fathom”)
childhood trauma leads to…
past trauma and future health
how to support someone who has experienced trauma
every mind matters … UK nonprofit anyone can use … online tools that walk one through their own needs, populating related support and email reminders
world health organization (who) mental health resources, along with “its largest review of world mental health since the turn of the century … a blueprint for governments, academics, health professionals, civil society and others with an ambition to support the world in transforming mental health” … a worldview perspective shows us this is a vital issue everywhere
Dr. Gabor Mate on trauma and why harmful people are in power
Addiction Help
One’s medical doctor and health insurance organization are likely the ideal resources for obtaining addiction help, and I want to pass along these free online resources, too…
the Canadian government’s help for substance abuse
the Canadian Salvation Army’s help for addiction
the Partnership to End Addiction shares some helpful educational materials and support
the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) is full of fantastic information, as “the reference point on drugs and drug addiction information in Europe … inaugurated in Lisbon in 1995 … one of the EU’s decentralised agencies.”
Travel + Health Insurance (Denials, Billing)
To cover medical needs, here’s how I handle travel and health insurance.
in the state where I have legal residency, the health benefit exchange is where I find the most affordable, and many find free, health insurance (more US states have state-based exchanges, too)
I love seeing the plans that advertise free online Teladoc mental health therapy
insurance plans/rates are based on one’s income (not based on assets, it seems, just income)
tax credits are also offered, which may lower the monthly premium even more
because my income fluctuates, I’ve found it wisest I choose a plan based on what I would have to pay if I did not get those tax credits…
aka, I now choose a plan with a monthly premium I’d feel most comfortable paying should I ever have to pay the entire monthly premium without those tax credits…
meaning, I do not want to blindly choose a plan offering the cheapest premium after the tax credits are applied…
because if my income unexpectedly increases at the end of the year, I might have to repay some or all of those tax credits…
a reality I just faced, costing me an extra $2400 for a plan that was nearly identical to a plan that would have been, overall, $2400 less
“A health benefit exchange is a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that creates a new marketplace for each state to offer health and dental insurance coverage to individuals and families. Exchanges can be developed and implemented by the state or by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Washington State chose to implement a state-based exchange.
“The Washington Health Benefit Exchange was created in state statute in 2011 as a public-private partnership. The Exchange is responsible for the operation of Washington Healthplanfinder, an easily accessible, online marketplace for individuals and families to find, compare and enroll in Qualified Health Plans, Qualified Dental Plans and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid).
“Washington Healthplanfinder offers Washington state residents … side-by-side comparisons of Qualified Health Plans and Qualified Dental Plans … tax credits or financial help to pay for co-pays and premiums … customer support online, by phone or in-person through local organizations or insurance brokers.
“The Exchange complies with open public meetings and public disclosure guidelines but is not subject to other laws that govern state agencies. The Exchange initially started in the Washington State Health Care Authority and has since transitioned to an independent organization. We work closely with our state agency partners, including the Health Care Authority, Office of the Insurance Commissioner, and the Department of Social and Health Services.”
In my state of residence, “when your health insurer says no to a treatment or a bill dispute … you can appeal
In my state of residence, “state and federal law protects you from surprise or balance billing if you receive emergency care … emergency behavioral health services at a medical facility … treated at an in-network hospital or outpatient surgical facility by an out-of-network provider … emergency behavioral health services from a mobile rapid response crisis team … crisis triage or stabilization facility … evaluation and treatment facility … an agency certified to provide outpatient crisis services or medical withdrawal management services.”
Prescription Medicine
Overseas, I’ve found it affordable to purchase my particular prescriptions from any local European brick-and-mortar pharmacy.
In WA, OR, NV, and CT…
an ArrayRX digital card can “save up to 80% on medications
“no membership fee to join
“no age or income restrictions
“only takes a minute to enroll
“all FDA-approved prescriptions are eligible for discounts
“each user signs up and gets their own digital card with a unique ID number.”
Legal Support
Women’s Law free and affordable legal resources in the USA and its territories.
State Attorneys General provide free consumer protection and other legal assistance (if they can’t help for free, they tell me who can) in the USA and its territories.
Legal Shield is where we pay a small monthly fee to have access to a lawyer who can advise us on a large variety of issues—without a huge bill.
You Are Not Alone
Please know that you are not alone in any of this. I navigate crises, too. And we matter.