How the 988 lifeline is saving lives

Suicide is never an easy topic to discuss, yet the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention records an average of 130 suicides per day in the U.S. In Utah alone, suicide is the 1st leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Fortunately, improvements are consistently being made to give struggling individuals hope; namely, the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

What is the 988 Lifeline?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a service that provides free and confidential assistance to people experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. As of July 16th, 2022, the 988 Lifeline is available to anyone living in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What happens when I call or text 988?

Individuals can dial 988 and be promptly connected to one of 200 crisis centers across the nation. A trained counselor will attentively listen to the caller, offer support, and provide additional mental health resources if needed.

What’s the difference between 988 and 1-800-273-TALK (8255)?

In 2020, Congress passed a law that changed the previous suicide hotline number (1-800-273-8255) to 988. The purpose behind the shortened number was to help give individuals struggling with their mental health quicker access to suicide prevention resources. Both phone numbers are currently active and will direct callers to a local crisis center.

How do I know if I, or someone I know, should call 988?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides several risk factors and warning signs that could determine whether someone could benefit from calling the helpline.

Risk factors include (but are not limited to):

• History of mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders
• Substance abuse disorders
• Past trauma, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Previous suicide attempts
• Loss of a job or relationship(s)
• Limited access to healthcare services, especially for mental health

Warning signs include (but are not limited to):

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, unbearable pain, being a burden to others, or not having any reason to live
• Suspicious behavior, such as buying guns or weapons
• Becoming withdrawn or isolated from others
• Extreme mood swings including anger, anxiety, agitation, or sadness
• Sleeping too much or too little

Allan Pauloe, clinical mental health counselor (CMHC), and Revere Health employee, offers some perspective on the benefits of the 988 lifeline, stating that the initial problem with the 911 emergency hotline was that it “wasn’t set up to address mental health needs.”

The primary goal of this new number is to make it easier for people to call for help,” he says. “Lawmakers and mental health advocates also see this launch as an opportunity to transform the mental health care system and make care easily accessible everywhere in the United States.

You can read more of his insights on mental health here.

While the 988 lifeline is saving countless lives, we at Revere Health want to stress the importance of taking a preventative approach to your mental health. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, consider contacting our Behavioral Health offices and scheduling an appointment with one of our compassionate licensed clinical social workers.