The 988 Lifeline is a free crisis hotline that helps people in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. You can call, text, or chat online 24/7. When you contact them, you'll talk to a trained counselor who will ask if you're safe and listen to your problems without judging you.
The service is confidential and available in Spanish. For calls, you'll hear options for veterans or Spanish speakers, then wait briefly to connect with a counselor. For texts, you'll answer a short survey first.
For online chat, you'll also complete a brief survey before connecting. The counselors are trained to provide support, listen carefully, and share helpful resources. This service can help save lives by providing immediate support during mental health crises.