988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: How It Works and When to Use It
A simple number to reach support. When someone is facing intense emotional distress — whether it’s thoughts of suicide, overwhelming anxiety, or a mental health or substance use crisis — knowing where to turn can be lifesaving. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a nationwide, easy-to-remember three-digit number that connects you directly to trained crisis counselors, free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Think of 988 as similar to 911 — but specifically for emotional and behavioral health support. It’s part of a growing national effort to make crisis care more accessible and compassionate for everyone.
You can call, text, or chat 988 anytime you need immediate support for:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Sleep changes — too much or too little
Increased irritability or fatigue
Withdrawing from social interaction
Sometimes these feelings are mistakenly viewed as “just a part of aging,” but they are real emotional experiences that deserve care and understanding.
Reaching out to 988 is designed to be straightforward, respectful, and supportive.
By Phone
- You dial three digits — 9-8-8 — just like any other short-code number.
- You may hear options that connect you to specialized support, and then your call is routed to a trained crisis counselor.
- The counselor will introduce themselves, ask if you are safe, listen without judgment, offer support, and share resources that may be helpful.
By Text or Chat
- You can text 988 or begin a chat session online at the Lifeline’s website.
- First, there may be a brief survey to help the counselor understand your needs.
- Then a trained counselor will connect with you, listen, and provide supportive guidance just as they would over the phone.
All interactions are confidential and free — you’re not required to share personal information to receive care, and your conversation is private.
The people answering 988 calls, texts, and chats are trained to offer calm, compassionate support. They:
Listen without judgment
Help you talk through what you’re feeling
Ask about your safety and needs
Provide emotional support in the moment
Connect you with local resources if appropriate
Most contacts with 988 are resolved without needing further services at that moment — but if additional help is needed, counselors can help guide you toward resources in your community.
Both 988 and 911 are important, but they serve different purposes:
911 is for immediate threats to safety that require emergency medical or public safety responses.
988 is for emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or behavioral health crises — and connects you with crisis counselors trained specifically in mental and emotional support.
If a 988 counselor determines that someone is in immediate physical danger, they can help connect with emergency services — but 988 is focused on de-escalation, listening, and care grounded in behavioral health expertise.
Help Is Just Three Digits Away
You don’t have to face emotional distress alone. Whether you’re struggling personally, or you’re concerned about someone you love, 988 is a resource you can use right now — free, confidential, and ready to listen.
Call, text, or chat 988 any time — help is available around the clock, and someone is always on the line to support you.