What Happens When You Call the Suicide Hotline (And Other Questions You Might Have)
Struggling with suicidal thoughts can be terrifying, confusing, and numbing. Many struggle with suicidal ideation, but are afraid to come forward and aren’t sure how to address it. Seeking out help with your primary doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist can help you in getting back on your feet. That said, a resource that is always available for you, without cost, is the crisis & suicide hotline: 988
If you’re wondering whether you should call, but are feeling anxious about it — we’ll go through together what it will look like so there’s no guessing games. 🤍
Today we’re going to cover some of the most asked questions about calling:
What happens when you call or text 988?
Will the suicide hotline call the police?
Do I have to be suicidal to call for help?
Can I call out of concern for someone else?
How can the suicide hotline actually help me?
What Happens When You Call the Suicide Hotline
Dial 988.
You’ll be connected with a local crisis worker (music will play).
Once connected, they may ask you some questions to get started, but you can guide the conversation.
The call can last as long as needed & you can talk about whatever you’d like.
They will provide resources based on the conversation, talk with you, and guide you through your situation, including suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Once you feel better, you can continue to implement the resources they’ve provided, as needed.
You Can Text or chat online with the crisis Hotline Too!
Sometimes texting or typing can feel like much less pressure than calling. When you text 988, you’ll be provided an automatic survey to give the counselor a better understanding of your situation.
Other Questions You Might Have About Calling the Crisis & Suicide Hotline
Will the Suicide Hotline Call the Police on Me?
The goal of the suicide hotline is to provide support and resources to help you or your loved one’s through a crisis, including suicidal thoughts. If you admit to struggling with suicidal thoughts, this is what they’re trained to help you with.
The police will not be called for you calling over these struggles and thoughts, but there are very few instances of individuals who are in immediate danger to themselves or others and in these cases, the police will be called.
It’s totally normal to be afraid of the police being called on you if you admit that you’re struggling with suicidal ideation or thoughts, but the purpose of this hotline is to provide you the resources to help you and 97% of callers receive all of the resources they need over the phone where no assistance from police is required. It is rare for the police to be called; the counselors are there to help get you away from the heavy feelings & darkness that is weighing over you.
They will also help provide you resources moving forward, so you have plans to move forward and recover after this heaviness.
Do I have to be suicidal to call?
No. There are many reasons you can dial 988, other than suicidal ideation or thoughts:
Managing overwhelming emotions
Managing feelings of loneliness
Talking through relationship problems
Talking through trauma
Getting help through domestic abuse or harassment
Managing stress
Getting help with substance abuse
Getting help with suicide prevention for others
And there are so many other reasons you can call other than what is listed above. If you’re struggling and want/need someone to guide you through these heavy emotions, you can call and be connected immediately. There is no shame in feeling these levels of vulnerability; more and more people are struggling and these resources are highly successful, free, and confidential. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 🤍
P.S. If you just need someone to talk to and you don’t feel its an emotional crisis, you can also call a warmline. This is where you can talk through feelings, or get a better understanding of your mental health, but it is not a crisis hotline. If you decide that a crisis hotline is what you need, you can always let them know and dial 988!
Can I call the hotline for someone else?
Yes! If someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts and they don’t feel comfortable with talking, you can call to have them walk you through some actions steps and resources. Sometimes the person struggling with suicidal thoughts or crisis may not know exactly what to say (or feel so overwhelmed that articulating words feels impossible), but you can call and talk for them - and help answer questions for them.
The goal is to help you through the crisis, so if you are comfortable with calling and talking with them, the counselor is prepared to guide you through that as well.
How will the suicide hotline help me?
When you’re stuck in dark & heavy places, especially if you’ve been stuck for a long time, it can feel like calling for one-off help “won’t do much,” but the truth is that the suicide & crisis hotline is not only highly successful and positively impactful for you just in the moment, but also in how you are able to move forward & navigate to get through this. Having the right resources can help you take back control, feel empowered, and completely change your life. The hotline not only provides you resources over the phone, but they are also connected with local resources that can help you get back on your feet through your mental health struggles and crisis. This may include additional local support for substance abuse, domestic violence, or group therapy for those going through similar struggles as you locally. The suicide hotline cna help to save your life, and positively change your life moving forward. Don’t be afraid to call. 🤍
If you’re struggling, just know that help is available for you & its free, confidential, and life-changing for so many. ☀️
