Frequently Asked Questions

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.  

• The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Vibrant Emotional Health launched the Lifeline on January 1, 2005. Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrator of the grant, works with its partners, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), National Council for Behavioral Health, and others, to manage the project, along with Living Works, Inc., an internationally respected organization specializing in suicide intervention skills training. 

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been independently evaluated since its inception by an investigation team from Columbia University’s Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. The Lifeline receives ongoing consultation and guidance from national and international researchers and experts focused on suicide prevention and crisis response. 

•  (https://988lifeline.org/about/) 

• 988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed). 

• Currently, a small percentage of Lifeline calls require activation of the 911 system when there is imminent risk to someone’s life that cannot be reduced during the Lifeline call. In these cases, the crisis counselor shares information with 911 that is crucial to saving the caller’s life. 

• (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988) 

• Yes! 

• Be sensitive to the need for privacy. Approach and talk in a private setting. 
• Be yourself. Use honest and non-judgmental language to start a conversation. Tell the person what you’ve noticed. Use words that you feel comfortable with and that make sense given the situation and your relationship. 
• Be direct. Ask if they’re having suicidal thoughts. Give them a chance to talk. You should not act as a counselor or give advice, but let them know you are listening. Remember that it’s not your job to fix the situation. 
• Show your concern and support. Acknowledge the despair they’re feeling. Don’t try to minimize their pain. Let the person know you care and that they are valued. Be kind, even if you feel angry about what they’re considering. 
• Be aware that you may have to break confidentiality. Try to avoid promising to keep what they tell you to yourself, but do promise if it’s the key to being allowed to help. You may need to break that promise to keep the person safe. 
• Help connect them with professional help, even if they resist. A person who has reached a point where suicide is an option often does not believe they can be helped. 

Phrases to Start a Conversation 

• “I feel like you haven’t been yourself lately. I am concerned about you. Can we talk?” 
• “I want to respect your privacy, but I’m worried about you.” 
• “I know you’ve been having a tough time recently. Can you share what has been going on?” 
• “I really care about you and I can tell something is wrong. Can you tell me how I can help?” 

Phrases to Aid in Conversation 

• “How long have you felt like this?” 
• “Have you been feeling hopeless?” 
• “How are you coping with what has been going on in your life?” 
• “You are not alone with this. I’m here for you.” 
• “I may not know exactly how you feel, but you matter to me and I want to help.” 
• “Can you think of anything I could do to help you?” 
• “I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but you won’t always feel like this. Things will change.” 
• “Have you thought about getting help?” 
• “I want to call someone to help us.” 

Questions to Ask 

• “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” 
• “Are you having thoughts about suicide?” 

Phrases to Avoid 

• “You don’t really want to do that.” 
• “It can’t be that bad.” 
• “You have so much to live for.” 
• “You can’t do that to your family.” 

(https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/suicide-warning-signs-what-to-say)