Hey, y’all. As we come off the bye week and head to Green Bay, I’ve been thinking a lot about how hard — and essential — it can be to reach out for help. Struggling with mental health challenges hasn’t been easy for me. But one thing that has really helped is knowing that by sharing my own battles, I’m hopefully helping others out there who feel alone.

So, earlier this year, I took some time to think about how I could use my voice to help even more people. I reached out to the folks in our state Health Department and learned that they’re looking to get the word out about a resource devoted to helping people with substance use disorder. I created an Instagram reel I’m now sharing out.

Now, I realize that substance use disorder and mental illness aren’t the same – but they do often overlap and are both often shrouded in shame, stigma, and secrecy. I know firsthand that keeping our battles private is never a good thing: If we want to move through life’s struggles, we have to be willing to lean on others for support.

So when the team at the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs asked if I’d help spread the word about a free, 24/7 helpline for those experiencing substance use disorder, I immediately said yes.

I know it’s hard, but please, please dig deep to find the courage to get help now — I’m rooting for you, and I believe in you.

The resource is called Get Help Now and its goal is to help people dealing with substance use disorder find resources for support, right in their neighborhood. The folks who staff the line – which is reachable via phone, text, or online chat — help callers find support that’s either free or covered by your insurance, so cost is never a barrier to getting help.

Since 2016, the line has fielded calls from 140,343 people in the state, including 19,298 people in Philadelphia.

Two of the groups the program is especially focused on supporting are people I hear from all the time — seniors, and African American adult males. So many older and African American fans have reached out to support me on and off the field over the course of my career; of course I said yes to the opportunity to try to help them back.

That’s why, this month, I started spreading the word on my social media about the PA Get Help Now line. You can call 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP), text 717-216-0905, or go to their live chat option here.

It’s there for anyone who wants support with substance use disorder. Maybe you’re in recovery and need resources to stay strong on your journey. Maybe you’re using and want help quitting. Maybe you are worried about a loved one, and don’t know where to begin. Whatever stage you’re in, please know that you are not alone – and that there are proven, evidence-backed ways to turn your life around. (Note: The Get Help Now line is different from 911 or 988 – if you’re in an emergency, please call 911 immediately, and if you’re in a mental health crisis, call 988 right away.)

You don’t have to suffer, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone. I know it’s hard, but please, please dig deep to find the courage to get help now — I’m rooting for you, and I believe in you.

If you’re in emotional distress there are options available to help you. You can contact the 988 Lifeline at any time to connect with a skilled, caring counselor and get support. Confidential support is available 24/7 for everyone in the United States and its territories.

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Lane Johnson in a quiet moment. Photo courtesy The Philadelphia Eagles