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    What is 988? And is it safe to call? What to know about the new mental health hotline

    en-usAugust 25, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Mental Health Crisis Lifeline and Potential Law Enforcement InvolvementThe 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is a vital resource for mental health emergencies, but be aware of potential law enforcement involvement. Remember, mental health is a public health issue and help is available through resources like the 988 lifeline and NAMI. For budget-friendly brunch ideas, check out Whole Foods Market.

      The new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is a valuable resource for mental health emergencies, but it's important to be aware of potential involvement of law enforcement in certain situations. The 988 hotline was designed to make it easier for people to access mental health crisis services, but some individuals have shared concerns on social media about the risks of police involvement. It's crucial to remember that mental health is a public health issue and everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, know that help is available through resources like the 988 lifeline and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Additionally, hosting a celebratory brunch for less can be achieved with wallet-friendly finds from Whole Foods Market, such as whole smoked Atlantic salmon, mini quiches, organic everything bagels, and more. Plus, don't forget to brighten up your table with a beautiful bouquet of sourced for good flowers.

    • Apple Card offers different rewards for various purchase methodsApple Card offers 3% cash back on Apple purchases, 2% on Apple Pay, and 1% on all other transactions. The 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 access to trained counselors for mental health emergencies.

      Apple Card offers different reward rates based on how you make purchases, with higher rewards for using Apple Pay and lower rewards for using physical or virtual cards. The Apple Card rewards system includes 3% cash back on purchases made directly with Apple, 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Meanwhile, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline is a new, easier-to-remember number for individuals in mental health emergencies to access help. When you call 988, you'll be connected to trained counselors at local call centers across the country. These individuals are equipped to de-escalate crises and connect callers to necessary resources. Anyone can call 988, not just those in suicidal crises, and calls are answered 24/7 by trained counselors. The funding for 988 is intended to improve and expand mental health resources in the US, potentially leading to a larger transformation of the mental health system.

    • Concerns over 988 hotline's inconsistent capacity and potential risks of involuntary treatment or police involvementThe new mental health crisis hotline 988 has seen an increase in calls but inconsistent capacity to answer promptly, and there are concerns about the potential for involuntary treatment or police involvement.

      While the new mental health crisis hotline number 988 has seen an increase in calls due to its elevated profile, there are concerns regarding the inconsistent capacity of call centers to answer these calls promptly. Additionally, some advocates have raised awareness on social media about the potential risk of involuntary treatment or police involvement when calling 988. Involuntary commitment, also known as civil commitment or involuntary hospitalization, is a legal process where individuals who refuse treatment but pose a risk to themselves or others can be forced into receiving treatment. This process varies state by state and is meant to be a last resort for 988. The hotline's primary goal is to connect individuals with resources and support, rather than involuntary treatment. It's important for the public to be aware of these potential risks before deciding to call.

    • Considering tracing callers' locations for hotline safetyHotline operators plan to provide training for counselors to explore alternatives before involving law enforcement and review every call involving police intervention.

      While the 988 suicide and crisis hotline does not currently have the ability to trace callers' locations like 911 does, they are considering implementing this feature for safety and accessibility reasons. However, concerns have been raised about potential privacy infringement and unwanted law enforcement involvement. The hotline operators acknowledge these concerns and plan to provide additional training for counselors to explore alternatives before involving emergency services. They will also review every call where law enforcement is involved to ensure its necessity. While the majority of calls do not result in police intervention, the hotline emphasizes its commitment to keeping the service separate from 911 and focusing on counseling and safety planning.

    • Exploring the Early Impact of the 988 Mental Health Crisis HotlineThe 988 mental health crisis hotline shows promise for improving access to mental health resources, but challenges remain, including limited data and unequal access to resources for all communities.

      The new mental health crisis hotline number, 988, is still in its early stages and faces challenges, but it holds promise for improving access to mental health resources. While calls to the number have increased since its launch, comprehensive national data is still lacking. Mental health advocates are looking for various metrics to evaluate the system's effectiveness, including the number of answered calls, racial breakdowns of callers, and the resolution of crises without emergency services. The goal is to minimize police involvement and prioritize mental health professionals for crisis intervention. However, not every community has the resources for mobile crisis teams, which is an ongoing concern. Ultimately, whether or not to use 988 depends on individual circumstances. 988 is an important step towards expanding mental health resources, but it's crucial to remain vigilant about its implementation and impact.

    • Alternative Resources for Crisis SupportCommunities with historical mistrust of law enforcement and medical systems prefer alternative crisis resources like warm lines, peer support spaces, and specialized hotlines. These resources prioritize long-term emotional support and prevention of crises.

      While the new 988 suicide hotline is intended to provide support for those in crisis, some communities, particularly those with historical mistrust of law enforcement and medical systems, may prefer alternative resources. These alternatives include warm lines, peer support spaces, and specialized hotlines like BlackLine and Trans Lifeline, which explicitly promise not to involve emergency services without consent. These resources prioritize long-term emotional support and prevention of crises. Communities most concerned include Black, Brown, and LGBTQ individuals due to past mistreatment by law enforcement and medical systems. Advocates are pushing for more options, such as peer support visits, to help address the underlying issues contributing to feelings of crisis. Instead of relying solely on hotlines, resources like Kiva Centers, Wildflower Alliance, and Project Let's offer support groups and long-term plans to tackle issues like housing, childcare, and financial struggles.

    • Preventing suicide through a hospitable worldFocus on creating a supportive environment to prevent suicide, starting with increasing resources for the 988 hotline and recognizing warning signs to offer support.

      Instead of focusing on crisis intervention through coercive measures, we should aim to make the world around individuals more hospitable to prevent suicide. This approach involves increasing resources and political will to support the 988 suicide prevention hotline as a first step, and then addressing the continuum of care that follows. For those looking to help someone in need, it's important to recognize that having good intentions and wanting to help is a powerful tool. Being aware of warning signs, such as changes in behavior, substance use, or sleep patterns, and having open conversations about suicide in a non-judgmental way can make a significant difference. Remember, you don't have to be a trained mental health professional to offer support. The most important thing is to let the person know that you are there for them and that help is available.

    • Exploring resources for various aspects of lifeExplore NPR's LIFE KIT for topics like therapy, emotions, money, exercise, and sustainability. Subscribe to LifeKit Plus for ad-free access. Share everyday life hacks. Use letter openers for vacuum cleaner roller brushes. Listen to It's Been a Minute for cultural analysis and trends. Utilize Shopify for online selling and business growth.

      There are various resources available to enhance different aspects of your life, from mental health to organization hacks. NPR's LIFE KIT offers a wide range of episodes on topics such as starting therapy, emotions and money, exercise, and sustainability. For exclusive access to these episodes without any sponsor interruptions, consider subscribing to LifeKit Plus. Additionally, for everyday life hacks, feel free to share your tips by leaving a voicemail or emailing LIFE KIT. A simple and effective tip for untangling vacuum cleaner roller brushes is using letter openers. Meanwhile, for cultural analysis and trends, tune in to NPR's It's Been a Minute podcast. Lastly, for selling online and growing your business, Shopify is a valuable resource. Remember, there are numerous tools and platforms designed to make your life easier and more productive, so take advantage of them!

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    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

    800-273-TALK [800-273-8255]

    1-800-SUICIDE [800-784-2433]


    Teen Line (Los Angeles)

    800-852-8336


    The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth Hotline)

    866-488-7386


    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    800-799-SAFE [800-799-7233]


    Crisis Text Line

    Text "Connect" to 741741 in the USA


    Lifeline Chat

    https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/


    International Suicide Hotlines: 

    http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html


    https://www.nowmattersnow.org/skills