988: America’s New Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Hotline
What Is 988?
As of July 16, 2022, the national suicide prevention lifeline number has changed to 988. This crisis lifeline number supports suicide prevention and mental health concerns, and a three-digit number is an easier-to-remember number for those experiencing mental health and suicidal ideations. When you call the dialing code 988 crisis lifeline, you will speak with trained counselors that will support those at risk for suicidal thoughts or suicidal behaviors along with any urgent mental health emergencies. Crisis counselors will answer your calls and connect people with specialized crisis counselors for veterans, individuals in the LGBTQ community, and other groups.
Suicide and Mental Health in America
Mental health impacts the lives of nearly 1 in 5 Americans each day. With the ranging mental health disorders and coinciding symptoms, Americans across the nation struggle to find ways to cope with mental health and substance abuse. Without the proper support of trained counselors and holistic mental health treatments, many will experience adverse and unpleasant side effects of mental health, including an increased risk of suicide. In 2020 alone, there were 46,000 Americans who completed suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death among Americans. Those individuals living with substance use disorders are six times more likely to complete suicide. Moreover, it has been shown that 60% of individuals living with depressive disorders will attempt suicide or complete suicide.
Learn what to write to someone in rehab for addiction here:
When to Call 988
Calling or texting 988 is designed for people experiencing mental health crises or who are at risk for suicide. When you have thoughts of suicide or urgent mental health concern and are looking for trained counselors to process your emotions, 988 allows you to find resources with health officials and have interventions by law enforcement for loved ones that you feel are at immediate risk of harming themselves. Although the national suicide prevention crisis lifeline partners with law enforcement, there is only 2% of the time that law enforcement will be dispatched to support public safety. Crisis counselors can provide the necessary one-on-one support to callers that will act as a method of suicide prevention and education about mental health care and resources.
Mental Health Support at WhiteSands
At our treatment centers in Florida, we offer patients a comprehensive treatment program that will support people experiencing mental health and substance abuse. With the support of behavioral health treatment methods, patients will be able to understand the impacts of mental health on their physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. As you identify how mental illness and mental health crises have impacted your life, you will learn new methods to best manage any presenting symptoms of your mental health disorders through natural, holistic treatment methods.
For patients who have turned to substance abuse as a method of self-medicating for mental health symptoms, the symptoms and side effects of mental health can often become exacerbated. This process creates a cycle of drug and alcohol abuse that continues to impact your current mental illness conditions. With the support of a dual diagnosis treatment program, patients will be able to overcome their history of substance abuse while developing the coping skills and tools for maintaining healthy, stable mental health conditions without the use of drugs and alcohol. Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today to hear more about the comprehensive treatment programs offered within our treatment center.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.