I cannot tell you how much I love this. Words cannot express my relief over a three-digit number for suicide prevention.

Why? Mostly because I have menopause symptoms that have turned my memory into Swiss cheese. I have a limited amount of RAM, dedicated to my partner, my kids, and my clients. Who needs an 11-digit number when you can have only three numbers to remember?

What You Need to Know About 988

There are many important pieces of information to know about this newly established emergency number.

1. It’s FREE
2. This number is available 24/7/365
3. This hotline is confidential
4. Users can call or text
5. This service is available in the United States
6. The purpose is to help those experiencing a mental health, substance abuse, or suicide crisis

This number first came about when Rep. David B. McKinley met with veterans at a roundtable event. Veterans can now use the same 3-digit number, followed by pressing 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Hotline.

What Happens When People Call 988?

When those in crisis connect with this service via calling or texting, they will be connected to trained counselors who work with the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. This network consists of around 200 local crisis centers. Callers are generally connected to one that is closest to where they are located.

Counselors are trained to listen, ask questions, provide support, and assist in connecting users to additional mental health resources if necessary. I personally have called the hotline before and have had positive experiences that helped me regulate my emotions and thoughts.

Call 988 When You Need To

Trauma, grief, and mental illness symptoms are t-o-u-g-h. Suicidal thoughts do not surprise me at any point in the process of healing from life’s experiences.

In fact, I hear them a lot, especially as the pandemic drags on and our losses pile up.

What I want you to know is that you are not “crazy” or “extra” or anything else that your inner critic accuses you of being. You are experiencing reasonable responses to unreasonable circumstances. As I point out in this post, suicidal thoughts are a signal that your soul needs attention.

Give yourself the care and attention that you deserve. Take a moment and put 988 into your phone, just in case. In times of emotional distress, logic and memory take a vacation, and it’s better to be prepared.

I’m here to help, and would love to talk with you. Book a free Discovery Call and let’s chat.

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