988 is not 911; however, 988 is a number for those who are experiencing a particular crisis.
As we go about our daily lives, do we prepare for a mental health crisis or any type of crisis that may trigger a mental health crisis? It is important to know the answer to this question and know available resources to access when necessary.
In a few days, Mental Health Awareness Month will be observed in May but mental health awareness is essential daily. It is not another type of health and is as important as physical health. So when you or someone you know is in a crisis, know where to go.
Below is information about another 3-digit number to call when in crisis.
About 988
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 caring, trained counselor who can help.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be: Thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, and/or emotional distress.
Need for 988
Too many people are experiencing suicidal crises or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America. Urgent realities are driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country.
In 2021 and 2022:
- The U.S. had 1 death by suicide about every 11 minutes
- For people aged 10–14 and 25–34 years, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death
- Suicide rates increased significantly among non-Hispanic Black & American Indian and Alaska Native people
- More than 950,000 youth aged 12-17 and 1.6 million adults attempted suicide
- About 107,000 people died from drug overdoses
Yet, there is hope. The 988 Lifeline helps thousands of people struggling to overcome suicidal crises or mental health-related distress every day.
When the 988 Lifeline is effectively resourced and promoted, it can:
- Connect a person experiencing distress to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care, or local resources
- Reduce health care spending with more cost-effective early intervention
- Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources
- Meet the growing need for crisis intervention at scale
- Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare
Please, please keep in mind there is help available in times of crisis.
References
U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key Messages. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/key-messages
Vibrant Emotional Health. Vibrant and 988. Retrieved from https://www.vibrant.org/988/