The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is working to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and improve mental health crisis services across the country. Recently, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline became the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The FCC adopted rules to adopt 988 as the new 3-digit code for people in crisis.
New 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention 3 Digit Hotline makes it easier to seek help.
Suicide Facts
- Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people
- Suicides are a top ten cause of death in the United States
- More suicides are committed each year than car accidents
- Suicide outnumbers combined homicide and AIDS deaths
- 316 people seriously consider suicide for each person that dies by suicide
- The Suicide Lifeline has received over 23 million calls since 2005
- There were over 2.5 million calls to the Suicide Lifeline in 2021
Information from: https://988lifeline.org/by-the-numbers/
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Americans are encouraged to call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org if they are thinking about harming themselves or have been feeling anxious, depressed, or hopeless.
The Lifeline is a new national toll-free suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline with over 200 crisis centers. It will provide a critical service to Americans at risk of suicide or emotional distress, providing people with access to trained counselors to support them through their crisis, delivering immediate emotional support, ensuring appropriate referrals, and offering comprehensive follow-up care.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention. The trained staff of crisis counselors can help people experiencing mental health-related distress by offering support, resources, and referrals.
With 988, you can speak to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 -days a week. No matter where you live in the U.S., you can reach a professional ready to help — over text or by phone.
988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention for Veterans in need of immediate assistance.
Veterans in Crisis
Veterans account for a large portion of Americans in crisis. Many problems such as PTSD, depression, and other emotional and behavioral issues become prevalent once they return home. The risk of suicide should not go ignored.
There are suicide prevention services available specifically for veterans, service members, National Guard, and Reserve members. After dialing 988 and pressing 1, they can connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.
Veterans are also encouraged to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline using the shortcode: 838255.
East Coast Telepsychiatry, Ready to Help Those in Crisis
East Coast Telepsychiatry strives for everyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or affective crisis to receive the support, treatment, and care they need to survive. Our company dedicates itself to helping people during moments of crisis by providing a personal connection to trained counselors. If you’re experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please dial 988, log in to 988lifeline.org or seek emergency help immediately.
If you need to speak to a therapist, contact us to schedule an appointment with ECT.
Please note that the previous suicide prevention number, 1-800-273-8255, will remain available to help those in crisis.
The center is always looking for new volunteers and employees. If you’re looking to play a positive role in society by helping those in need, apply today at samhsa.gov/988-jobs.