If you or someone you know is struggling, there is a short number to remember. In Maryland, as across the country, 988 connects callers and texters to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?
The 988 Lifeline is a phone, chat and text service that provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental-health-related distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. It is operated through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and Congress designated 988 as the number for the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in 2020.
How do you reach it?
You can reach the Lifeline in several ways:
- Call 988.
- Text 988.
- Chat online through the 988 Lifeline website.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or use TTY, you can use your preferred relay service, or dial 711 and then 988.
Who answers?
Contacting the Lifeline connects you with a trained crisis counselor. The service is confidential and free. It offers live services in English and Spanish and interpretation in more than 240 languages and dialects.
When should you call 911 instead?
The 988 Lifeline is for emotional crisis and distress. If someone is in immediate physical danger, or you believe a life is at risk right now, call 911.
What can you expect from a call?
People call for many reasons, including thoughts of suicide, worry about a friend or family member, or a crisis that feels overwhelming. You do not need to be sure that your situation counts as a crisis; the service is there for anyone who needs support.
How to help someone else
If you are worried about someone, ask them directly how they are, listen without judgment, and let them know that help is available, including 988. For other emergency health information in the state, see our guide to when to call the Maryland Poison Center.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. To reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988.
Sources: SAMHSA; 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
