It has been a year since the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States underwent a transformation, changing its 10-digit number to 988, but many people are unaware of the change or even what the hotline offers.
The three-digit number aims to make it easier for people to seek help when they are having suicidal thoughts, experiencing emotional distress, or facing a substance use crisis. However, only 17% of Americans say they are aware of it, according to a recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Many still assume that when calling 988, someone will be dispatched (as happens when you call 911). But that is not the case.
What should you know about 988?
The three-digit dialing code for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline became available in July of last year, after receiving bipartisan support. (President Donald J. Trump signed the law establishing the new number in 2020.) Since then, over five million calls, chats, and texts have been routed to 988, a 66% increase compared to the previous 12 months, before the new number was introduced.
Nearly a million of those contacts were handled by the Veterans Crisis Line, linked to 988.
The 988 does not use geolocation, so those calling the hotline remain anonymous unless they choose to disclose identifying information.
You do not need to be in crisis to call 988 and speak with a counselor. It is a free service available anytime, day or night, for anyone in need of support.
Why do so few people know about this?
Last year, none of the nearly $1 billion in federal funding for the Lifeline was allocated for a public relations campaign. Initially, advocates and administrators feared that promoting 988 could lead to it being overwhelmed by demand.
What other obstacles remain?
In addition to raising public awareness, one of the biggest challenges facing the network is long-term funding.
The national network has over 200 call centers, most of which are made up of nonprofit organizations with limited budgets. Many rely on volunteers and private contributions.
The law that established 988 gave state legislators the option to raise money for the call centers by adding a monthly fee to phone bills. But so far, only a few states have followed this route.
The Biden administration’s 2024 budget proposal includes $836 million for 988, an increase of over $300 million compared to the amount allocated last year to get the Lifeline up and running. But experts say more is needed, especially at the local and state levels.
It is estimated that in the next year, the number of calls, texts, and chats reaching 988 could reach nine million, nearly double the number of contacts in the first year.
Mental health issues continue to be a major public health problem. Anxiety and depression are widespread, especially among young adults: an analysis of census data found that half of adults aged 18 to 24 reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in 2023, compared to about one-third of adults overall. And the suicide rate has increased by 35% over the past two decades.
Source: The New York Times
If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.