988 has been designated as the new three-digit number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 has been live across the United States since July 16, 2022. Now when people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how the caller’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. Veterans in crisis can dial 988 then press 1 to receive veteran related support.
The old Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in a distress or suicidal crisis, even now that 988 has launched nationally.
The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
For more information about the new 988 number go to www.988lifeline.org
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SIGNS OF SUICIDE
THE CHESTERFIELD SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION COALITION WANTS YOU TO KNOW WHAT SIGNS TO LOOK FOR IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT A LOVED ONE CONSIDERING SUICIDE.
FACES is a co-founder and host to the Chesterfield Suicide Awareness and Prevention Coalition “The Coalition”. Working under the premise that we are stronger together, The Coalition formed with the idea that if we pooled the good efforts and ideas of our local organizations whose common goal is to educate, de-stigmatize and thereby prevent suicide, we reach a broader audience and accomplish our goals more efficiently. One of our most poplar efforts is our presentation called ,”Raise Your Voice”, which is an hour long program that outlines how suicide is perceived, what the current local, statewide and nationwide statistics show, also being aware can save a life, and what resources are available to the community.
THE SIGNS
Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, f you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs: The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
- Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
- Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities – seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
- Increasing alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Here are a few Suicide Prevention Apps and resources that may make a difference.
