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988 - When the phone rings at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there’s no telling who will be on the other end. A teenager reeling from a breakup, a mother terrified for her self-harming daughter, a veteran battling the ghosts of war, or a young man paralyzed by survivor’s guilt after a fatal car crash. Each call is a life on the brink, and the stakes are impossibly high.
Suicide is now a national emergency. In 2022 alone, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide—the highest number ever recorded. That’s one death every 11 minutes. Yet behind this devastating statistic lies an even larger crisis: for every life lost, there are 25 attempts, and countless more people suffering in silence, unsure where to turn.
The 988 Lifeline is changing that. As a suicide prevention counselor, I stand at the frontline of this crisis, answering calls from those who feel they have no one left to reach out to. In this piece, I pull back the curtain on what really happens when someone dials 988—how we de-escalate, how we break through despair, and why this service is one of the most important public health interventions of our time.
A Lifeline for Those in Crisis
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people in distress to over 200 crisis centers nationwide, providing 24/7 support through phone calls, text messaging, and online chat services. This expansion has revolutionized access to mental health resources, ensuring that no matter where someone is in the U.S., help is only three digits away.
When someone calls, they are routed to the nearest crisis center, where trained counselors like myself provide immediate support and referrals to local mental health services. Unlike emergency responders, our goal isn’t to control or remove the person from their environment—it’s to de-escalate, listen, and collaborate on a plan that keeps them safe.
Since its launch, 988 has seen a dramatic surge in calls—a testament to its necessity. The increased demand proves that people want help; they just need to know where to find it.
Simply put: suicide prevention work is not just about answering calls—it’s about understanding risk, navigating trauma, and fostering hope in those who feel they have none left. Here’s what that looks like in real time:
- A high schooler struggling with religious conflict and college pressure calls, torn between their dreams and family expectations.
- A woman in her twenties suffers from severe panic attacks at work and fears losing her job.
- A mother calls, desperate for guidance after discovering her daughter is self-harming.
- A 60-year-old woman with PTSD and social anxiety feels unbearably alone.
Each person presents a different crisis, but the mission remains the same: listen, assess, and guide them toward safety.
Crisis calls aren’t just about suicide. They encompass domestic violence, addiction, mental illness, grief, and trauma. Counselors are trained in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) and evidence-based suicide prevention techniques, allowing us to address a wide range of crises effectively.
We are not mandated reporters, but if a caller expresses homicidal intent, child abuse, or an imminent suicide plan, we take appropriate action. Our focus is always on preserving life while respecting autonomy.
Breaking the Myths: What People Get Wrong About Suicide
Despite increasing awareness, several damaging myths persist about suicide:
"Suicide is selfish." In reality, those contemplating suicide often believe they are a burden to others and see death as a form of relief for their loved ones.
- "Talking about suicide puts the idea in someone’s head." Research shows that open discussions about suicide reduce risk by making people feel heard and supported.
- "Only people with mental illness die by suicide." Many factors contribute to suicide, including relationship struggles, financial stress, and substance abuse.
- "Suicide happens without warning." Most people exhibit warning signs—withdrawing from loved ones, expressing hopelessness, giving away possessions—which, if recognized, can lead to life-saving interventions.
- "People who attempt suicide just want attention." Every suicidal thought or attempt should be taken seriously. Dismissing someone’s pain increases their risk.
Dispelling these myths is crucial to reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.
988: A Public Health Revolution
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is more than a hotline—it’s a paradigm shift in mental health care. It prioritizes compassion over criminalization, offering an alternative to emergency rooms and law enforcement, which have historically been ill-equipped to handle mental health crises.
But the work is far from over. The need for more funding, resources, and mental health professionals remains urgent. Expanding awareness about 988, improving crisis response infrastructure, and integrating mental health services into everyday healthcare must be our next steps.
Suicide prevention is about building a culture where mental health support is as accessible and normalized as calling 911.
If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone
Every call I take is a reminder that suicide is preventable, and hope is always possible. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. There is always someone ready to listen, support, and help you find your way forward.
This is not just a job. It’s a mission to save lives—one conversation at a time.
(George Cassidy Payne is a writer, educator, and community advocate dedicated to fostering hope and resilience through storytelling and social impact. He serves as a 988 Crisis Counselor and strategic consultant with Agape Haven of Abundance, supporting youth empowerment and community enrichment initiatives. Payne has an M.A. in Theological Studies from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.)
