The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could include thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. And there is a tremendous need, given:
In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes.
For people ages 10–34, suicide is a leading cause of death.
From April 2020 through April 2021, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses.
Behind each of these data points, there are people, families and communities who have been impacted. Yet, in the face of these urgent realities, there is hope. The 988 Lifeline helps thousands of struggling people overcome suicidal crisis or mental-health-related distress every day.
The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been proven to be effective. It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
People can call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org, for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
Have you lost a loved one by suicide? You’re not alone. There is also support available to help survivors of suicide loss. Loss team support groups are offered in person and virtually at no cost. Survivors are given the opportunity to talk about the tragedy and trauma of death by suicide and ask difficult questions about grief and suicide in a supportive environment.
Email [email protected] or call 954-384-0344 for more information or to access online groups.
