Maine people affected by the violence in Lewiston are encouraged to reach out and connect with behavioral health support. Incidents of mass violence can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including anxiety, fear, anger, despair and a sense of helplessness that may begin immediately or in the days or weeks following the event.

Tragedies may also cause people to turn to substance use, putting themselves and others at risk.

For information on crisis hotlines, see the Department’s news release.

For help coping with a traumatic event:

For kids, families and caregivers:

For those affected by substance use:

Maine residents in recovery can connect with a local liaison through OPTIONS (Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach, Naloxone and Safety), which sends mobile response teams to connect people directly to recovery services and treatment and distribute naloxone, the lifesaving overdose medication.

Other mental health resources:

• Call (207) 221-8198 for help coping with stress: The StrengthenME Helpline offers free stress management and resiliency resources to anyone in Maine experiencing stress reactions from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. StrengthenME can help people develop coping strategies before emotional challenges escalate into more serious mental health problems.
• Call 866-771-9276 to speak with staff with lived experience with mental health conditions: The Intentional Peer Support Warmline serves adults, aged 18 and older, offering conversations with a trained peer specialist to encourage and foster recovery, move toward wellness and reconnect with community.