If you’re feeling sad, lonely, and hopeless and have had thoughts of harming yourself, please know that you are not alone. Many people, even those who seem to have everything going for them, have had feelings similar to what you’re experiencing right now.
Thinking about suicide does not make you a failure or a weak person. It simply means you are in a great deal of pain. There is hope beyond the pain, and help is available when you feel you have no other options. The simple act of “talking it out” can help relieve some of the intensity of your emotions and help you find solutions to your problems more clearly. Studies have shown that after talking to a Lifeline counselor, people often feel less depressed and more hopeful about their situation.
Worried Senior
You can dial or text 988 from your phone to speak with a counselor who is specially trained in suicide prevention. These counselors are available anytime, day or night.
Dialing 988 connects people in crisis (or concerned friends, family, and caregivers) directly to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where counselors provide free, unbiased, and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dialing 988 is just like dialing 911 for emergency response.
The 988 service was created to address the needs of both veterans and non-veterans. The existing Veterans Crisis Line, which has counselors who specialize in supporting veterans, service members, and their families, will still be available. Dial 988 and then press “1” to reach the Veterans Crisis Line or dial 1-800-273-8255 and press “1.” You don’t have to be receiving VA benefits or health care to call the crisis line. The old Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to be available to people in emotional distress, even with the national launch of using the 988 service. Courtesy of National Council on Aging.