988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988

Free, confidential support 24/7. Call or text from anywhere in the United States.

Call 988 Now

💬 Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

Connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message. Available 24/7.

🌐 International Crisis Lines

Find Help Worldwide

Access crisis centers in your country through IASP.

Find Your Country →

Specialized Crisis Lines

🏳️‍🌈 Trevor Project

LGBTQ+ youth crisis support

Call: 1-866-488-7386

Text: START to 678-678

Website →

🎖️ Veterans Crisis Line

Support for veterans & service members

Call: 988, then press 1

Text: 838255

Website →

🧒 Childhelp National Hotline

Child abuse prevention & support

Call: 1-800-422-4453

Available 24/7, 120+ languages

Website →

🏠 National Domestic Violence

Abuse, relationship violence support

Call: 1-800-799-7233

Text: START to 88788

Website →

🍽️ NEDA Eating Disorders

Eating disorder support & resources

Call: 1-800-931-2237

Text: NEDA to 741741

Website →

🧠 SAMHSA Helpline

Substance abuse & mental health

Call: 1-800-662-4357

Free treatment referrals 24/7

Website →

⚠️ Warning Signs of a Crisis

Take these signs seriously—in yourself or others:

  • Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
  • Looking for ways to harm oneself (searching online, acquiring means)
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Saying goodbye as if they won't be seen again

How to Help Someone in Crisis

If you're concerned about someone:

  1. Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Research shows asking doesn't plant the idea—it opens the door for help.
  2. Listen without judgment: Let them express their feelings. Don't argue or dismiss their pain.
  3. Stay with them: Don't leave them alone if they're in immediate danger.
  4. Remove access to means: If possible, remove firearms, medications, or other lethal means.
  5. Help them connect: Call a crisis line together, or take them to an emergency room.
  6. Follow up: Check in regularly after the crisis has passed.

🚨 Call 911 If:

There is immediate danger of harm—the person has a weapon, has taken pills or other substances, or is actively attempting to harm themselves. Stay with them until help arrives.

After a Crisis

Crisis intervention is just the first step. Following a mental health crisis:

💜 You Matter

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whatever you're facing, there are people who want to help. Crisis counselors, therapists, and support groups exist because people care. Your life has value, and recovery is possible.