Crisis Resource Appendix: Moderator and Teacher Reference
Purpose: This appendix provides copy-ready language and referral resources for moderators and teachers when a participant is in visible distress, expressing suicidal ideation, or behaving erratically.
I. What to Say (Crisis Scripts)
Grounding Script (if they’re overwhelmed but not unsafe):
“It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now. I care about your wellbeing, but I’m not equipped to offer crisis support. Let’s make sure you have someone safe to talk to. Can I share some crisis and mental health resources with you?”
Suicidal Ideation Script:
“I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. You deserve help right now. We’re not a crisis service, but there are people available 24/7 who can help you stay safe. Can I give you their contact info?”
Delusional or Paranoid Behavior Script:
“That sounds really stressful. I can’t verify what’s happening, but it sounds like you could use someone to talk to in real life about your safety. Here are some trusted lines and resources where trained listeners can support you.”
Aggression or Threat Script:
“We’re going to pause contact for safety. You’re not in trouble, but this space isn’t the right place for this conversation. Please reach out to a trusted friend or local support line.”
II. U.S. Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential)
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 (U.S. & Canada)
- Trans Lifeline — 877-565-8860 (Peer support by and for trans people)
- Veterans Crisis Line — 988 then press 1
- Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-7233 (or chat at thehotline.org)
III. Peer Warmlines (Alternative to Crisis Lines)
What they are: Peer-run support lines staffed by people with lived experience. No assessment, no police calls, no forced hospitalization.
Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line
- 888-407-4515
- 7pm-9pm ET Mon-Thu, 7pm-10pm ET Fri-Sun
- wildfloweralliance.org
- Peer-run, trauma-informed
Warmline Directory:
- Search “[your state] warmline” for local peer support lines
- Many states have peer-run alternatives
IV. International Crisis Lines
For LGBTQ+ people who have left or are leaving the US:
Canada:
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
- LGBT YouthLine: 647-694-4275
Latin America:
- Argentina: 144 (24/7)
- Chile: 600-360-7777
- Mexico: 55-5533-5533
- Peru: 51-955-178-208
Europe:
- Spain: 028
- France: 06-31-59-69-50
- UK Samaritans: 116 123
- UK Galop (LGBTQ+): 0800-999-5428
- Italy: 800-713-713
- Netherlands: 085-3037680
Australia/NZ:
- Australia Lifeline: 13 11 14
- New Zealand Need to Talk: 1737
- Twenty10 (LGBTQ+, Sydney): (02) 8594 9555
Other International:
- India AASRA: 91-9820466726
- South Africa SADAG: 0800 21 22 23
V. General Safety & Support Resources
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Support) — 800-656-4673
- National Eating Disorders Helpline — 800-931-2237
- Substance Abuse Helpline (SAMHSA) — 800-662-4357
- FindHelp.org — findhelp.org — Locate food, housing, financial assistance, healthcare, and other local resources
VI. Mutual Aid & Community Support
Note: Government resources are being shut down. Community-based mutual aid is more reliable.
Food Not Bombs
- 500+ chapters in 60+ countries
- Free vegan meals, no questions asked
- Find local chapter: foodnotbombs.net
- Autonomous, community-run
HUNGER HOTLINE
- 1-800-884-1136
- Connects to local food resources
Mutual Aid Hub
- mutualaidhub.org
- Find local mutual aid networks
- Community-based support (not government)
Local organizing:
- Search “[your city] mutual aid” on social media (feeds are manipulated, try multiple sources)
- Ask in person at community spaces
- Look for flyers, WhatsApp groups, Signal groups
- Trust peer networks over official channels
VII. Teacher & Mod Guidance: How to Refer
- Stay Grounded: Use calm, short sentences.
- Offer Links and Numbers, Not Advice.
- You’re a bridge, not a clinician.
- Stay With Them Until Connected (Unless Manipulation Is Clear)
- General rule: Don’t leave someone in crisis alone. Stay in contact until they’ve connected to 988, a crisis line, or another crisis support resource.
- Exception: If someone is clearly using threats of self-harm to emotionally manipulate (e.g., “If you don’t do X, I’ll hurt myself”), you can set a boundary and disengage after offering resources.
- End supportively: “I care about your safety. Here are the resources. I’m going to step back now, but please reach out to 988 or [appropriate resource].”
- Document & Escalate.
- Note time, message, what resource you gave, and whether they connected to support.
Quick Copy Block (for Chat or Email):
If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to, please reach out to the 988 Lifeline (U.S.) or visit findahelpline.com for international options. You don’t have to handle this alone.
Core Principle:
You are not abandoning them—you are connecting them to people who can actually help.