“Don’t lose hope. When the sun goes down, the stars come out.”
– Unknown
Beginning today, Saturday, July 16, 2022, there is a new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The new number is 988 and will now be referred to as a Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The previous number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will still work during this period of transition.
“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.” (https://988lifeline.org/)
Why is this needed?
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death. CDC
In 2020 there were 45,979 deaths by suicide.
Emergency Number Guide:
911 → Medical Emergencies
988 → Mental Health Emergencies
How does it work?
Call 988
Text 988
You can also chat with them online here: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
When you do, you will be connected to trained counselors who will listen to better understand. Based on their understanding, they will provide support which could be safety planning or connecting you to additional resources, if necessary.
Additional resources may include a Mobile Crisis Unit near you. In our area this would be: Foundation 2 Mobile Crisis Unit (1-855-800-1239) If 988 contacts Foundation 2, they will likely get to you within an hour or so.
Have questions about 988? Visit their FAQ here: https://988lifeline.org/faq/
This number can save lives so please spread this information far and wide!
If you want to get started in therapy to manage your mental health, you can visit our Getting Started page and fill out our New Client Information Form.
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