Mental Health Crisis Resources: 988 and Beyond

Mental Health Crisis Resources: 988 and Beyond

You're in crisis.

Maybe you're having suicidal thoughts. Maybe you're in the middle of a panic attack so severe you can't breathe. Maybe you're experiencing psychosis, severe depression, or overwhelming anxiety.

And you need help. Right now.

Here's what you need to know: You don't have to go through this alone. Help exists. And it's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Let's talk about what to do in a mental health crisis—starting with 988, the new national suicide and crisis lifeline, and every other resource available when you're in immediate danger.

What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis is any situation where you (or someone you know) is:

  • Having suicidal thoughts or plans
  • Thinking about self-harm
  • Experiencing severe panic or anxiety that's unmanageable
  • In psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, losing touch with reality)
  • So depressed you can't function or feel unsafe
  • Having a severe mental health episode (mania, dissociation, etc.)
  • In immediate danger to yourself or others

If any of these apply to you right now, you're in crisis. And you need support immediately.

988: The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In July 2022, the U.S. launched 988 as the national crisis number—like 911, but for mental health emergencies.

How to Use 988:

Call or text: 988

That's it. No area code. No long number to remember. Just 988.

What Happens When You Call or Text 988?

1. You're connected to a trained crisis counselor (usually within a few minutes) 2. They listen, provide support, and help you feel safe 3. They assess the situation (Are you in immediate danger? Do you have a plan? What support do you need?) 4. They connect you to local resources (crisis centers, mental health services, follow-up care) 5. If necessary, they can dispatch emergency services (but only as a last resort if you're in imminent danger)

What 988 Counselors DON'T Do:

  • They don't judge you
  • They don't lecture you
  • They don't immediately call the police or send an ambulance (unless you're in immediate, life-threatening danger)
  • They don't force you into treatment

Their goal: Keep you safe, de-escalate the crisis, and connect you to help.

988 Is:

  • Free
  • Confidential (they don't share your info unless you're in immediate danger)
  • Available 24/7, 365 days a year
  • Nationwide (works from anywhere in the U.S.)
  • Accessible in English and Spanish (with translation services for 150+ languages)

When Should You Call 988?

  • You're having suicidal thoughts
  • You're thinking about self-harm
  • You're in severe emotional distress
  • You're worried about someone else who might be in crisis
  • You need to talk to someone who understands mental health emergencies

You don't have to be "sick enough" to call. If you're struggling and need support, call.

Crisis Text Line: For When Talking Feels Too Hard

If you can't (or don't want to) talk on the phone, Crisis Text Line is a lifeline.

How to Use It:

Text: HOME to 741741

What Happens When You Text?

1. You're connected to a trained crisis counselor via text (usually within 5 minutes) 2. They text back and forth with you to understand what's happening 3. They help you move from a "hot moment" to a "cool calm" using active listening and collaborative problem-solving 4. They provide resources and support

Why Texting Works Better for Some People:

  • You don't have to speak out loud (helpful if you're around others or can't verbalize)
  • You can take time to think through your responses
  • It feels less intense than a phone call
  • You can save the conversation and re-read it later

Crisis Text Line Is:

  • Free
  • Confidential
  • Available 24/7
  • Nationwide

Other Critical Crisis Resources

988 and Crisis Text Line are the main crisis lines. But here are specialized resources for specific communities and situations.

SAMHSA National Helpline

  • Phone: 1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
  • What it is: Treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders
  • Available: 24/7, 365 days a year
  • Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

When to use it: If you need help finding treatment, resources, or support services (not just crisis intervention).

Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Line)

  • Phone: 1-866-488-7386
  • Text: START to 678678
  • What it is: Crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-24)
  • Available: 24/7
  • Website: thetrevorproject.org

Why it matters: LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of suicidal ideation. This line is staffed by people who understand LGBTQ+ specific issues.

Trans Lifeline

  • Phone: 877-565-8860 (U.S.) | 877-330-6366 (Canada)
  • What it is: Crisis hotline staffed by trans people for trans people
  • Available: Hours vary by day (check translifeline.org for current hours)
  • Website: translifeline.org

Why it matters: Trans people face unique mental health challenges. Talking to someone who gets it makes a difference.

Veterans Crisis Line

  • Phone: 988, then press 1
  • Text: 838255
  • Chat: veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat
  • What it is: Crisis support specifically for veterans, service members, and their families
  • Available: 24/7
  • Website: veteranscrisisline.net

NAMI Helpline (Information & Referrals)

  • Phone: 1-800-950-6264
  • Text: NAMI to 741741
  • What it is: Mental health information, resources, and referrals (not crisis intervention, but helpful for finding local support)
  • Available: Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm ET
  • Website: nami.org/help

National Domestic Violence Hotline

  • Phone: 1-800-799-7233
  • Text: START to 88788
  • What it is: Crisis support for people experiencing domestic violence (which often overlaps with mental health crises)
  • Available: 24/7
  • Website: thehotline.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

  • Phone: 1-800-656-4673
  • What it is: Crisis support for survivors of sexual assault
  • Available: 24/7
  • Website: rainn.org

What If You're Worried About Someone Else?

If someone you know is in crisis:

1. Take It Seriously

If someone tells you they're suicidal or thinking about self-harm, believe them. Don't dismiss it as "just wanting attention."

2. Ask Directly

"Are you thinking about suicide?" "Do you have a plan?"

Asking about suicide does NOT plant the idea. It shows you care and opens the door for them to get help.

3. Stay With Them (If Possible)

Don't leave them alone if they're in immediate danger. Stay with them until they're safe.

4. Call 988 Together

Offer to call 988 with them, or let them know it's an option. You can also call 988 yourself to ask for guidance on how to help someone in crisis.

5. Remove Access to Means

If they're in immediate danger, remove access to:

  • Firearms
  • Pills/medications
  • Sharp objects
  • Anything they could use to harm themselves

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6. Don't Promise to Keep It a Secret

If someone tells you they're suicidal and asks you not to tell anyone, you can't keep that promise. Their life is more important than keeping a secret.

Say: "I care about you too much to keep this to myself. I need to get you help."

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Sometimes, calling a crisis line isn't enough. Go to the ER or call 911 if:

  • You (or someone else) is in immediate danger (suicide attempt in progress, severe self-harm, violent behavior)
  • You're experiencing severe psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, losing touch with reality)
  • You've overdosed or taken harmful substances
  • You're in a medical emergency related to mental health (seizure from withdrawal, severe side effects from medication, etc.)

The ER can:

  • Stabilize you medically
  • Connect you to crisis mental health services
  • Admit you to a psychiatric unit if necessary (for short-term safety and stabilization)

Note: ER visits can be traumatic, expensive, and sometimes not helpful for mental health. But if you're in immediate danger, it's the safest option.

What Happens After a Crisis?

Surviving a crisis is just the first step. Follow-up care is critical.

After the Crisis Passes:

1. Follow up with a therapist or psychiatrist (if you don't have one, 988 or SAMHSA can help you find resources) 2. Create a safety plan (identify triggers, coping strategies, people to call, crisis numbers) 3. Remove access to means (if suicidal thoughts were involved, make it harder to act on them) 4. Build a support system (friends, family, support groups, therapist) 5. Consider medication (if you're not already on it, talk to a psychiatrist about options)

Crisis intervention saves your life. Treatment keeps you alive.

You're Not a Burden. You Deserve Help.

If you're reading this and thinking "I don't want to bother anyone" or "I'm not sick enough to call"—stop.

You are not a burden. You deserve help. You don't have to be "sick enough" to reach out.

Crisis counselors want to talk to you. That's literally why they're there. You're not wasting their time. You're not being dramatic.

You're asking for help. And that's the bravest thing you can do.

Final Thoughts: You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Mental health crises are terrifying. They feel isolating, overwhelming, and hopeless.

But here's the truth: You are not alone. Help exists. And you deserve to be here.

If you're in crisis right now:

Call or text 988. Text HOME to 741741. Go to the ER if you're in immediate danger. You don't have to suffer alone. You don't have to white-knuckle through this. You deserve support. And you deserve to survive this.

Support mental health advocacy. Shop the Collection → Related Posts:

If you're in crisis: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

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