When and How to Call 988: Suicide and Crisis Line

Mental illness is among the worst of life’s common misfortunes. About every 1 in 9 individuals are living with a diagnosable mental health disorder and takes responsibility for 5 percent of global burden of disease. Effective interventions to improve mental health status for individuals include treatments, prevention, and promotion of mental health in individuals (Walker et al., 2023).

Access to these resources can be limited and take time to obtain but if someone is in a crisis then someone will need access to immediate services. 988 Suicide & Crisis Line is comprised of a national network of over 200 crisis centers. It was established in 2005 by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Vibrant Emotional Health, the National Associations of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), National Council for Behavioral Heath, and other entities. The line uses the guidance of experts and those of lived experience to continually make improvements to the Lifeline service.

Most of the crisis centers used are non-profit agencies who consist of trained volunteers and mental health practitioners. The line is available 24/7 and is FREE of charge. The crisis centers answer calls for the 988 Lifeline via text, chat, or mobile services and are accredited and follow best practices. About 80 percent of crises are resolved over the phone and do not require the assistance of a mobile crisis unit or emergency services. (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

If you or someone you love is going through a mental health crisis, please DIAL 988 or click on the link below. You don’t have to struggle in silence or alone.

For more information, go to: https://988oklahoma.com/

Citations

Walker, C., Donaldson, C., & Plant, M. (2023, November 29). Global priority: Mental health. Happier Lives Institute. https://www.happierlivesinstitute.org/report/global-priority-mental-health/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (n.d.). https://988lifeline.org/about/