National Suicide Prevention Lifeline facts for kids
988 is a special phone number you can call if you or someone you know needs help. It's a helpline for people who are feeling very sad, worried, or are going through a tough time. In the United States, it's called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In Canada, it's known as the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.
What is 988?
The 988 number is like a helping hand you can reach out to when you need someone to talk to. It connects you with trained people who are ready to listen and offer support. This service is available in countries like the United States and Canada.
988 in the United States
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you to over 200 special centers. These centers are open all day, every day, which means they are available 24/7. You can call them for free, and you don't need to pay for the call.
How it Works in the U.S.
When you call 988 in the U.S., your call goes to the closest help center. There, a trained helper will talk to you right away. They can offer support and help you find other local services if you need more help. The Lifeline is there for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or worried, whether it's for themselves or for someone they care about.
988 in Canada
Canada also has a similar service called the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. This service started on November 30, 2023. It offers the same kind of support and help to people across Canada who are going through a crisis.
