What Is the 988 Lifeline?
Let's Start With What the 988 Lifeline Is
988 Lifeline Chat and Text is a service of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). It connects individuals with crisis counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat or texting 988. All chat and text centers in the 988 Lifeline network are accredited by either the American Association of Suicidology or the International Council for Helplines. 988 Lifeline Chat and Text is available 24/7 in California, and across the United States
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is committed to providing individuals in emotional crisis with support, which can include connection to specialized services for different populations. The 988 Lifeline is a direct connection to immediate and free support for anyone in crisis. A TRAINED CRISIS Counselor will answer your chat. This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and will share local resources with you that may be helpful.
The 988 Lifeline voice, text, and chat options are also offered in Spanish. To call a Spanish-speaking crisis counselor, dial 988 and then press 2. To text with a Spanish-speaking crisis counselor, text AYUDA to 988.
Veterans and active service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by texting 838255, chatting here, or calling 988 and pressing 1. Deaf and hard of hearing people can access 24/7 988 Videophone here.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
It Doesn't Have To Be For You - You Can Get Help For Someone Else
If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. It’s important to take care of yourself when you are supporting someone through a difficult time, as this may stir up difficult emotions. If it does, please reach out for support yourself.
Here are some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or life change. You can seek help for your family member/friend by calling the 988 Lifeline.
These Are Some Warning Signs
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
Let’s face it – It can be scary when a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide. It’s hard to know how a suicidal crisis feels and how to act. Call 988 at any time for help when you, a family member, or a friend is struggling.
The 988 Lifeline is a 24/7 direct connection to immediate and free support and resources for anyone in crisis. And it works. For more information, Download the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Fact Sheet – SAMHSA
