988: The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Is Just a Call, Text, or Chat Away

Free, confidential support from a trained counselor — 24/7, for you or someone you love

Sometimes the loads we carry in life get heavy, leaving some feeling hopeless and unable to

see a way out. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the reasons people have suicidal thoughts vary but are primarily driven by overwhelming psychological pain, underlying mental health conditions, and acute life stressors. 

How can you get help or help someone you know who may be having a mental health crisis?

A Readily Available Resource

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched in 2022 to provide an easy-to-remember number for people experiencing mental health emergencies. It’s made up of more than 200 local crisis centers throughout the nation, allowing more access for people in need. 

Getting in touch with a trained counselor is easy. Simply call or text 988 to be connected or start a chat online. You can expect to be given selection options based on language, veteran status, or your local 988 Lifeline contact center. No matter where you are in the country, 988 is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Conversations with counselors are free and confidential, so you can feel at ease knowing you are being heard.

Ways to Help a Friend or Loved One

While you may not personally be experiencing a mental health crisis, you may know someone who is and want to help. What can you do? 

• Learn the warning signs to determine if someone is at risk. This may include a worsening of mental health status or new behavior such as talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, acting agitated, or withdrawing or isolating themselves. These signs often occur before a crisis. Pay attention to mood, behavior and overall countenance to know if someone is in need.

• Have an honest conversation. Do this in private. Listen to their story and let them know you care. Encourage them to seek treatment and stay with them until help is administered, or go with them to a mental health facility or the emergency room.

• Call or text the helpline anytime, day or night.

It’s important to know that you do not need to be experiencing thoughts of suicide to call for help. Sometimes it just helps to have someone listen. While the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline does not offer ongoing therapy, counselors can connect you with other resources to help you through this challenging time.

At Boone County Alliance, we're committed to supporting our community's mental wellness. Visit our resource page for more information on mental health symptoms or 988lifeline.org for immediate help.