The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which was launched in 2022 to address mental health crises, has received millions of calls, texts, and messages but is facing mixed responses, according to a recent study.
Usage Patterns: People with severe psychological distress were more likely to have heard of and used the 988 lifeline. However, only a quarter of respondents said they would be very likely to use it in the future, and less than a third of those with severe psychological distress who had previously used the lifeline were very likely to use it again.
Call Volume: Since its launch, 988 has received around 6.5 million calls, texts, and chats, with more than 500,000 in September alone.
Challenges and Solutions: The study highlights the need to better understand why users in severe distress might not use the lifeline again, such as the requirement for better training, additional resources, or other solutions to make it more effective. Experts emphasize that success for 988 includes not only managing acute crises but also connecting people to broader mental health resources and ensuring culturally competent, locally handled, and supportive interactions.
The 988 lifeline is considered crucial in addressing the expanding need for mental health services in the United States, especially amid the ongoing mental health crisis. Experts acknowledge the significance of the lifeline while emphasizing the need to continuously improve its effectiveness and impact.
