HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline changed from a 10-digit number to an easy-to-remember three digit number - 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7 support for people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Since the hotline's inception in 2005, it has taken more than 20 million phone calls.
In North Alabama, we spoke with two crisis and outreach organizations - Bearded Warriors and AshaKiran - that shared the importance of this accessible resource.
"When someone's in crisis, the last thing you want them to try to remember is this whole long number," said Kamilah Torres, Director of Development with AshaKiran. "When you're in in the midst of trauma, in the midst of a crisis, you just aren't thinking clearly. You don't know what's going to happen. So, which is why things like 911 and 211 have been so successful."
The service is free and anonymous - which is important for those who may not know where to turn and are fearful of judgement from loved ones.
"They may not be comfortable talking to somebody that they work with or that they see on a regular basis," said Bearded Warriors founder Ty Oswald, "because that could change their mindset that that person has of them."
Beyond anonymity, there is also the comfort of confidentiality - those who call can rest assured their business will not be broadcast by the person on the other end of the line.
BEYOND ANONYMITY (ANNA-NIM-ITY) THERE IS ALSO CONFIDENTIALITY... THOSE WHO CALL CAN REST ASSURED THAT THEIR BUSINESS WILL NOT BE AIRED OUT BY THOSE WHO ANSWER THE PHONE...
"One of the biggest concerns is, do these people know me? If they do, are they going to keep it confidential? So the fact that there's no way to be tracked is actually a a good thing for those that may need the support," said Torres.
Click here for more mental health resources available across the state of Alabama.