KGW viewers had the chance to ask professionals about their own mental health or the wellness of a loved one, in our Reddit “Ask me Anything” chat

PORTLAND, Ore. — With the stress of social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s common to feel anxious, powerless or confused. That’s why KGW is partnering with Lines for Life to let people discuss their own anxieties and find resources to cope with the trauma of our current situation.



If you have questions about your own mental health or the wellness of a loved one you can join a Reddit “Ask me Anything” chat Friday at 9 a.m. to get some answers. Lines for Life chief clinical officer Greg Borders and executive director Dwight Holton will be answering your questions live on Reddit from 9 until 10 a.m.

I’m John Tierney, KGW’s assistant news director, and I’ll also be answering questions about how journalists are working to help our communities in this time of need.

If you’ve never seen an AMA before, the format is simple: You post your question on the r/iAMA Reddit page and Greg, Dwight or I will respond. You can literally ask us anything (hence the name), but of course Dwight and Greg are especially equipped to answer your questions about mental wellness.

If you don’t feel comfortable asking your question in a public AMA, there are other resources available to you. You can visit the Lines for Life website or call their 24/7 lifeline at 800-273-8255.



I hope you can join us. I’ll see you on Reddit on Friday morning. Here's that link.

Editor's note: The video above originally aired in April 2019, when KGW and several other Oregon news outlets took part in the statewide Breaking The Silence initiative.

Other resources:

The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support by text. Text 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor.

Help is available for community members struggling from a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is preventable.

The Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center is available 24 hours a day at 503-988-4888.

If you or someone you know needs help with suicidal thoughts or is otherwise in an immediate mental health crisis, please visit Cascadia or call 503-963-2575. Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare has an urgent walk-in clinic, open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Payment is not necessary.

Information about the Portland Police Bureau's Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and additional resources can be found by visiting http://portlandoregon.gov/police/bhu

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