SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Suicide Hotline changed its phone number on July 16. Since this change, the hotline has been put in the national spotlight and has come under some scrutiny. There have been some debates regarding the hotline and the procedures that follow after a call is made.
The change to the shortened number, 988, is comparable to the 911 emergency phone number. The change makes it easier to remember, rather than having to write down or remember a 1-800 number. It signifies that mental health is just as important as physical health.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Board Member and Secretary, Stacy Green, sheds light on what actually happens after someone calls the hotline.
“They will follow up and have a follow-up procedure if they feel it’s necessary. So when you call 988, it’s a licensed professional in mental health and so they decide, most people, 98% of people that call need to be de-escalated, need somebody to listen to them and understand how their problems are affecting them or how their loneliness is affecting them. So, 98% of people might not even need a follow-up,” Green said.
She explains that if it’s determined that a follow-up is needed, someone in the area code will give that information to someone local so they can determine what follow-up procedure is needed.
There are some who fear that police response is an automatic procedure to anyone who calls the hotline. Green states this is not the case.
“I’m concerned about people, like for example, I’ve heard that people are concerned that immediately they’re going to share, you know, that they can track you and then they’re going to send officers, which is not the case. They don’t use geolocation, which I think is super important that we get the right information out there because there’s still a stigma,” Green said. “I think that when you have police officers showing up at your door because you’re struggling with your mental health, you know that’s saying you’re breaking the law or it has that stigma, and people don’t want that. So the only way they’re able to send officers, and a mental health professional knows when to do that and when not to. But the only way is if you give them the address.”
But she explains that’s not anyone’s goal. The goal is to keep you safe but about 98% of the time those who call just need some de-escalation. She wants those who call to know the hotline is there to talk things out with licensed mental health professionals to get you through those critical times to stay another day.
“So I think it’s really important for people to know that they can help, nobody has to know about it, they’re not sending officers unless you ask them to,” Green continues, “It’s important for people, as a community, we have to get better about taking care of our own mental health.”
Chair of SAVE Central NY, Jamie Leszcynski, has personally been affected. Her brother took his own life at just 16 years old. She wants other to know how important this hotline can be for those in crisis.
“I wish this resource was around 20 years ago, as I think my brother may have used it. I urge anyone who feels they’ve lost a fight and are thinking of giving up to please talk to someone, if not a friend or a loved one, please call 988,” Leszcynski said. “This lifeline is here for a reason, ready to help.”
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the 988 hotline is active.
