988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Speak with a Portage Path mental healthcare professional anytime, 24/7.
988

For Psychiatric Crises and ALL Other Serious Concerns

Feeling overwhelmed –  feel like no one cares? Having thoughts of suicide? Are you worried about someone else?

All calls are free and confidential. We are here to listen and talk with you whenever you need help the most.

Warning Signs of a Crisis – Including Suicide Risk

  • Talking about suicide
  • Preoccupation with death
  • Inability to perform daily tasks, bathing, getting dressed, etc.
  • Increased agitation, risk-taking/out of control behavior
  • Abusive behavior to self or someone else
  • Isolation from school, work, family, and friends
  • Loss of touch with reality

Early Warning Signs of Problems that May Require Intervention

  • Changes in appetite
  • Difficulty in sleeping (or sleeping too much)
  • Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety
  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability
  • Extreme changes in moods
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern

Who Answers the Phone?

Our trained Support Hotline counselors provide a safe space to talk about all sorts of feelings and problems including, but not limited to, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, loneliness, interpersonal problems and financial issues.

All calls are free and confidential. We are here to talk with you whenever you need help the most.

About the 988 Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline started in 1969 as a service providing crisis intervention and supportive listening to help callers manage their crisis.

In July of 2022, the new 3-digit 988 number was launched, creating a nationally connected line that is quicker and easier to remember. 

 

How To Help

It is frustrating to observe someone you know going through this. You may not be able to solve the problem, but there are many ways you can help. Here are ten ways that CAN make a difference.

988

  1. Be direct. Talk openly and matter‐of‐factly about suicide.
  2. Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings.
  3. Be non‐judgmental. 
  4. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad.
  5. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
  6. Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
  7. Seek support.
  8. Offer hope that alternatives are available.
  9. Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
  10. Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention like this 24/7 Support Hotline.

Don’t wait – even if you’re not exactly sure what to do next. We’ll help you take the next step. Whether it’s a full blown crisis or a serious concern. Help is HERE and NOW. Just call anytime.

Call your locally answered National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by dialing 9-8-8.

The Support Hotline is part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).