These Text And Chat Services Could Save Someone You Love
Suicide prevention hotlines aren’t the only medium for suicide prevention and crisis support.
Editor’s note: Most services on this list are available 24/7. They are also confidential, free of charge, and appropriate for any adult (unless otherwise indicated with an emoji).
After the year we have all endured, American men and womxn are at soaring susceptibility for mental health crises this December.
Every year, the holidays present unique challenges for our mental health. But, this is no ordinary, guilt-trip-from-your-parents or invasive-romantic-life-questions holiday season. The social cushioning where we ordinarily turn — the people who support us in coping with the old wounds visiting family can open — isn’t the same.
You or they may be feeling lonely, burnt out, or overwhelmed. Hopelessness is a very real reaction to the events of 2020 as well — and hopelessness is a very dangerous signal of suicidality.
There is no shame in using these services.
Text services
Crisis Text Line
You can also text HOME to 741–741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.
The Trevor Project 🏳️🌈
Get text-based support from The Trevor Project by texting START to TrevorText at 678–678. Appropriate for young (under age 25) LGBTQ+ individuals.
Veterans Crisis Line 🎖️
To use the chat service hosted by the Veterans Crisis Line, text 838255.
Disaster Distress Helpline🌀
This organization is also available via text. Send TALKWITHUS to 66746. This disaster distress helpline offers crisis counseling for individuals in emotional distress due to natural or human-caused disasters, such as hurricanes or public violence.
Chat services
Veterans Crisis Line 🎖️
The Veterans Crisis Line offers a chat service for US military veterans. It is appropriate for any service member, including National Guard and Reserve members and all veterans (VA registration is not required).
The Trevor Project 🏳️🌈
The Trevor Project offers a TrevorChat service here. Available 24/7 and confidential. Appropriate for young (under age 25) LGBTQ+ individuals.
Hotlines
Hotlines are the original form of crisis support. Many of the organizations listed above offer traditional hotlines in addition to chat or text-based help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1–800–273–8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. By mid-year 2022, this will get its own shortcut like 911; the number will 988.
NAMI
The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) has a HelpLine at 1–800–950-NAMI (ex. 6264).
The Trevor Project 🏳️🌈
TrevorLifeline at 1–866–488–7386 has trained counselors available 24/7 to young (under age 25) LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk.
Disaster Distress Helpline🌀
The Disaster Distress Helpline is 1–800–985–599. This disaster distress helpline offers crisis counseling for individuals in emotional distress due to natural or human-caused disasters, such as hurricanes or public violence.
Veterans Crisis Line 🎖️
The Veterans Crisis Line is for US military veterans. The number is 1–800–273–8255, option 1.
Annette Miller is the Cofounder and CEO of Enriched Couples, a financial therapy platform that uses psychology to guide couples through unifying their values, financial priorities, and future goals.
