What Does 988 Do — And Why It Matters for Our Community

When someone is in emotional distress, struggling with thoughts of suicide, or facing a mental health or substance-use crisis, getting help fast can mean everything. That’s why the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created — a simple, three-digit number anyone in the U.S. can call, text, or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to reach trained crisis counselors.

💬 What Happens When You Call or Text 988

When you dial 988, you’re automatically connected to a trained counselor through a local or national crisis center. These professionals are ready to:

• Listen without judgment

• Provide emotional support and coping strategies

• Assess risk and safety

• Help connect you (or your loved one) to local resources, like counseling, mobile crisis teams, or emergency support if needed

If the local crisis center is busy, your call rolls over to a national backup line so you’re never left without help.

🧠 Who Can Call 988

988 isn’t just for people having suicidal thoughts. It’s for anyone:

• Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or in emotional pain

• Concerned about a loved one’s mental health or substance use

• Seeking guidance on how to help someone in crisis

It’s okay not to be okay — and 988 is there when you don’t know where else to turn.

📱 Text & Chat Options

You can also text “988” or use the chat option at 988lifeline.org if talking on the phone feels too hard.

Crisis counselors are available for youth, adults, veterans, and anyone who just needs someone

to listen.

🏘 Why It Matters in Northwest Georgia

Here in Northwest Georgia, access to mental health care can be hard to find — especially in rural communities. 988 helps bridge that gap by offering immediate, free, and confidential help, connecting callers to Georgia’s Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) and other nearby services.

The more people who know about 988, the more lives can be saved. Whether you share the number, add it to your phone, or talk to your kids about it, you could be the reason someone reaches out instead of giving up.

🕊 If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 today.

You’ll reach someone who cares and can help you find the next step forward.