Information compiled by Elaine Csoros MSW.
We are all familiar with the number to dial that may summon police or firefighters whenever there is an emergency. From a young age, we were taught that if any crisis were to happen, we should call 911 immediately. Having an easy to remember, nationwide number provides a sense of reliability and safety. But not all crises are physical in nature and there are limits to what those responders can help with. That is why having a crisis line for mental health emergencies is just as valuable. Until very recently, the national hotline for mental health was 10-digits, was cumbersome for people to remember, and difficult to raise awareness about. In a significant victory for mental health, that changed in 2022 with the creation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What is it?
988 is a network of over 200 state and local crisis contact centers that seeks to provide aid to anyone that calls or chats with concerns related to suicide. The lifeline is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. When support is provided- whether over the phone or the text line- it is fully free and confidential.
How does it work?
Anyone who contacts the line is connected with a Lifeline counselor who may provide crisis counseling, resources, and referrals to local support. These individuals can provide support for a caller who is in crisis related to:
Their own mental health
A friend or loved one
Substance use
Feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or depression
Trauma
Loneliness
If needed, 988 provides counselors specifically for veterans, LBGTQI+ youth and young adults, and Spanish speakers. The individuals who respond to requests for help aim to stabilize the situation and provide person-centered support without additional interventions. In very rare cases, the counselor may be alerted to a safety concern that prompts them to contact emergency services like the police and EMS. Only a small percentage of 988 calls require activation of the 911 system and most of those are done with the cooperation and consent of the caller.
Why it matters
The Lifeline provides a 24/7, accessible, and easily remembered channel for getting help whenever someone is struggling. This means that no one needs to walk through a tough time alone, support is available. A widely known number removes stigma around seeking help and access to a text line reduces potential fear about reaching out.
Provisional data from the CDC indicates that suicide deaths rose to 49,449 in 2022, making increased awareness about resources like 988 a priority. Mental health is a very real concern today and suicide is a leading cause of death; having a number to call can make all the difference in saving lives. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
If you have questions or would like to get connected to mental health professional, please call 763-566-0088 and speak to our Client Services Coordinator or stop by the NewPath Mental Health Services office at 8401 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 340, Golden Valley, MN 55426 to find out about services you are interested in.
Sources and Resources
988 suicide & crisis lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 10). Provisional suicide deaths in the United States, 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0810-US-Suicide-Deaths-2022.html
Federal Communications Commission. 988-fact-sheet https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/988-fact-sheet.pdf