Suicide Awareness Month: The Three 3-Digit Need-To-Know Numbers and Resources
September is suicide awareness month, and 211 Ventura County is here to help you understand the resources available to you. During a crisis or an episode of depression, the simplest tasks can seem beyond daunting. If you are in a crisis, there are three 3-digit numbers to always remember:
988 – for the suicide and crisis lifeline hotline, a free and confidential service to chat with Lifeline counselors for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night. Find out more information about the hotline below.
911 – You’ve likely heard about 911 before, but it’s essential to understand when to call 911 or 988. 911 is the number to call in an emergency, and the person or people involved are in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others. Emergencies are situations that require immediate attention from law enforcement, firefighters, or medical personnel.
211 – 211 provides whole-person care, which can help callers find resources and referrals to a variety of services, including mental health and counseling services. 211 is the place to call BEFORE a person is in a crisis. 211’s holistic approach can prevent community members at risk for depression and suicide from getting into crisis in the first place. When a person’s basic needs are being met, including food and shelter, they can focus on their mental health and other needs. 211 can also give options for counseling and support groups.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number recently changed from a typical 10-digit number to a 3-digit number, 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides support through a national network of 200+ crisis centers. To talk to someone, you can call 988, text 988, or go to https://chat.988lifeline.org/ to chat with someone online. For deaf or hard-of-hearing callers, click on ASL Now on the website for a video call. Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can reach out to the Veteran Crisis Line by pressing 1. Spanish speakers can press 2 for services and LGBTQI+ by pressing 3 or texting by typing PRIDE to 988. For more information about 988, visit https://988lifeline.org/.
Warmlines are also available to some of our state’s most vulnerable populations, aging adults and adults with disabilities. The Friendship Line California provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention for handling depression, loneliness, isolation, or anxiousness. Operators offer friendly conversation, emotional support, reassurance, wellness checks, and referrals to community resources. Their 24/7 hotline can be reached by calling (888) 670-1360, and you can find other resources by visiting their website at https://www.ioaging.org/
If you are someone who has been impacted by suicide, there are resources for bereavement and counseling, including support groups, counseling, and other mental health resources.
