Because many suicidal acts are impulsive, suicide prevention hotlines can play a crucial role in de-escalating crises and saving lives. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifelineopens in new window, formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a key resource for people who are suicidal or experiencing other mental health crises. The lifeline’s new 3-digit number (988) is as easy to remember as 911 (see What psychologists should know about 988opens in new window from APA Services).
[Related: Suicide prevention gets a new lifeline]
In addition to 988, these hotlines can help individuals in high-risk populations:
AgriStress Helpline (833-897-2474) provides support to farmers and ranchers in Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. Agricultural workers are among the top five industry groups with the highest suicide rates, according to a 2020 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionopens in new window.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (833-9-HELP4MOMS) offers help before, during, and after pregnancy. Suicide accounts for up to 20% of maternal deathsopens in new window, making suicide deaths more common than deaths by postpartum hemorrhage or hypertensive disorders, according to a 2022 report by 2020 Mom, a nonprofit group that aims to improve maternal mental health care.
Physician Support Line (888-409-0141) offers peer support to medical students and physicians, who faced a higher risk of suicide than individuals in other professions even before the intense stressors of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) provides peer support and advocacy for the trans community. Forty-five percent of LGBTQI+ youth have seriously considered suicide in the last year, with the percentage trending upward over the past three years, according to a 2022 Trevor Projectopens in new window survey.
