Feel Good Friday - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Sunday, September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. At the forefront of this work is today’s Feel Good Friday organization, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Launched in 2005 as the National Suicide Prevention Line, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (the Lifeline) is “is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.”

The CDC reports an estimated 49,449 suicide deaths across the U.S. in 2022, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people. The Lifeline is “committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.”

 

Since 2005, over 23 million people have called the Lifeline and been connected to trained counselors from one of over 200 local crisis centers in the Lifeline network. These counselors provide emotional support and crisis counseling, as well as connect callers to resources in their area. Visit the get help page to see how to contact the Lifeline.

In addition to being able to call, text or chat with counselors at the Lifeline 24/7, you can also visit the website to find information for specific communities such as veterans, youth or LGBTQI+ individuals. If you want to learn about warning signs that someone may be at risk for suicide and actions you can take to help, visit the prevention page. There is also a page dedicated to stories of hope and recovery to inspire you.

If you’d like to support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline there are many ways to get involved. Promote National Suicide Prevention Month, learn about actions you can take to help others in crisis, make a donation, support your local crisis center, and raise awareness on social media. Like the 988 Lifeline Facebook page, follow them on Instagram @988lifeline, and use the hashtag #BeThe1To.