988: when and how to reach out
Call, text or chat 988 any time, day or night. It's free and confidential, and you don't have to be suicidal to use it.
You'll need
- A phone
What to know
- Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's free and confidential (988 Lifeline).
- Reach out for any emotional distress, not only thoughts of suicide. Substance use, money worries and relationships are all reasons to call (988 Lifeline).
- For Spanish, press 2 or text AYUDA to 988. Veterans can press 1 (988 Lifeline).
- Worried about someone else? You can call for them too (988 Lifeline).
Watch out. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Don't leave a person who has attempted suicide alone (MedlinePlus).
Good to know
24/7, judgment-free
988 offers 24/7 support for mental health, substance use and more (SAMHSA).
Deaf and hard of hearing
TTY users can dial 711 then 988, and there's a 988 videophone option for ASL users (988 Lifeline).
After a disaster
The Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990, call or text (988 Lifeline).
Sources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Get help
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 988
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) When to use the emergency room
Lesson B7.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?
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