Please call or text 988 if you are in crisis
What it is: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a toll-free hotline for anyone in the United States who is in emotional distress, in a suicidal crisis, or is afraid of harming themselves. You can call this number even if you are not thinking about suicide. It is also for anyone who knows of someone in a crisis and wants to support them.
What happens when you call: The hotline routes your call to a network of local crisis centers to wherever is nearest you. Once routed, a trained crisis worker (either a professional or trained volunteer) will answer the phone and can talk with you for as long as you like. They will listen and seek to help you feel safe and supported. When necessary, they will help you come up with a safety plan. For those seeking to help someone else, the trained crisis worker will talk with you to come up with strategies and resources to help support your loved one.
A couple more notes:
- Buzzfeed: Here’s What Happens When You Call Into A Suicide Prevention Hotline
This is a great, much more comprehensive overview for anyone considering calling the Hotline and will answer most questions and dispel common fears and misconceptions.
- The Crisis Text Line offers a similar option, but over text rather than calling. Text HOME to 741741
Other resources and options when in crisis:
- PsychCentral: Visiting the Emergency Room for Mental Health Help
As this article states, if you’re ever worried about safety, including being in fear of suicide, you should go to the ER. - Getting Help During a Mental Health Crisis “Get help right away if you think you could be in danger… Call 911 or go to an emergency room, and tell them you’re having a mental health crisis.”