If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there’s immediate danger, call 911.
A mental health crisis can happen to anyone. It might look like overwhelming panic, thoughts of suicide, losing touch with reality, or feeling unable to cope. If someone you care about is struggling, you don’t need to be an expert to help. Knowing the warning signs and the resources available can make a real difference.
What is 988?
988 is the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7 across the U.S. You can:
- Call or text 988
- Chat online at 988lifeline.org
Veterans and service members can press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Spanish speakers can press 2. Videophone service is available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. You don’t have to be suicidal to call. 988 is for any kind of emotional distress, and you can also call for advice on helping someone else.
What happens when you reach out
A trained crisis counselor will listen, help you work through what’s happening and talk about options. Most calls are resolved on the phone. If needed, counselors can connect you with local mental health services or mobile crisis teams. Emergency services are involved only in a small share of calls, when someone is at immediate risk. Since 988 launched in 2022, it has answered millions of calls, texts and chats, and research has linked it to fewer suicide deaths among young adults.
Warning signs to know
- Talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others
- Feeling hopeless, trapped or in unbearable pain
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Extreme mood swings, agitation or rage
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
- Looking for ways to end their life
How to help
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows asking does not put the idea in someone’s head. It can open the door to help.
- Listen: Take what they say seriously. Don’t argue or lecture.
- Keep them safe: If you can, reduce access to things they could use to harm themselves, such as firearms or stockpiled medicines.
- Connect them: Offer to call or text 988 with them, or help them reach a doctor or therapist.
- Follow up: Check in over the following days and weeks.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and stay with them until help arrives.
Take care of yourself too
Supporting someone in crisis is hard. It’s OK to ask for help for yourself, including by calling 988. Talking with a counselor can help you cope with your own feelings.
Other resources
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
- The Trevor Project: Crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people, at thetrevorproject.org.
- NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 for information and support (not a crisis line).
The bottom line
You don’t need the perfect words to help someone. Ask, listen, keep them safe and connect them to 988 or other support. Learn more about the signs of depression and anxiety.
Common questions
Will 988 send the police?
Rarely. Most contacts are handled entirely by phone, text or chat. Emergency services are contacted only when there’s an immediate risk to someone’s life that can’t be reduced otherwise.
Is 988 confidential?
Yes. Counselors keep conversations confidential, with limited exceptions when someone is in immediate danger.
Can I call 988 for someone else?
Yes. Counselors can help you figure out how to support a friend or family member.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
