There’s a new way to get free, quick access to mental health services. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national hotline that was launched across the U.S., to meet the country’s growing mental health care needs. By calling or texting 988, people can reach a trained counselor at a crisis center near them. People can also visit 988lifeline.org to begin a live chat session. Help is available seven days a week, around the clock.
Counselors provide immediate care and offer follow-up telephone support when needed. The service is free and private, and people will not be asked for insurance information. Services are also offered in Spanish.
Breastfeed Durham encourages you to seek help if you are suffering from mental health distress or are worried about someone who is struggling. Counselors at the national hotline (988) are trained to help with any kind of mental health challenge, including maternal mental health, emotional distress, substance abuse crisis, or thoughts of suicide.
See also: Maternal Mental Health resources on the 988 Lifeline website.