In Episode 60: 988 — The Conversation Continues, we responded to an online post that was shared with us by a member of our audience. This post questioned how the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline worked. In some ways, it seemingly discouraged people from using it. We have a lot of thoughts about the comments made in the post. However, we also felt like there could be benefit in re-examining what the role of crisis hotlines is in suicide intervention. While we discuss a lot of this in our previous episode, Ep. 059 : We Call 988, for brevity we wanted to reiterate what 988 is here.
What is the primary function of 988?
One of the key features of this new crisis hotline (now referred to as 988) is that it is NOT JUST for suicide crises. It is the number to call for any kind of mental health or substance abuse crisis, especially suicidal situations. If you are worried about someone whom you care about, you can call the 988 Lifeline for guidance and assistance. As we demonstrated in Episode 59: We Call 988, with our live call to 988, you will not be put on hold for a long waiting period. Someone spoke with us almost immediately. Furthermore, the same number gives you access to the Veterans Hotline. When you dial 988, you are told to press 1 if you are a veteran in order to be connected with someone who specializes in helping former military members. You are told to press 2 if you wish to speak to someone in Spanish. TTY services are available for the hearing impaired.
You can also text 988 or live chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat/
If I call 988, will the police show up at my door?
In the post discussed in our episode, the author states that 20% of the time, a crisis hotline call results in police being dispatched. This is in conflict with the data published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA is a part of the federal government. SAMHSA states two percent of the calls to 988 result in a referral to the 911 system (EMS and/or police). The goal of 988 is to reduce the need for these kinds of emergency responses. In those cases when 911 is alerted, the reason is to save the life of someone who is imminently at risk of death.
Can a stranger on the phone really help someone who is suicidal?
Yes. The vast majority of callers are going through a hard time and just need someone to talk to for a couple of minutes. They need to connect. One of the amazing things about 988 is that it provides instant connection–24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter where you are located in the US. Additionally, the persons who serve on crisis hotlines receive training on how to talk with someone who is in crisis. The goal is primarily to listen, help them find their own answers to their needs, and to de-escalate risk. On-going psychotherapy is not the goal or a service 988 provides. The goal is crisis intervention, to prevent someone from harming themselves or others. The caller is typically urged to seek follow-up care in their local area that is often provided during the call.
In Conclusion…
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is not a one stop shop to solve the suicide problem in the United States, BUT it offers a free crisis service, available 24 hours a day. The service is available across the country. 988 is a lifesaving, easily accessible resource to reduce suicide risk and it will save lives.