Be Kind, Always!

By: Celeste Mazloum

Mental health plays a huge role in a person’s wellbeing and overall health. Despite its impact on our daily lives, you can’t see a person’s mental health. But just because it’s invisible, that doesn’t mean it’s not important. When approaching mental health, there are key messages to remember that can be found in a past DIG blog article here.

First and foremost, you never know what someone is going through. Therefore, it’s important to always be kind. A smile or “good morning” to a stranger crossing the street. A phone call checking up on a friend to ask them how they are. Helping your neighbor with yard work. All of these are small acts of kindness that can potentially save someone’s life.

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, offer support, and educate society on suicide prevention. If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support through a suicidal or mental health crisis, call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.

The 988 Lifeline is available here 24/7 every day of the year. You can use whatever communication method you prefer by calling, texting, or chatting.

Here is what to expect when contacting the 988 Lifeline:

Calling the 988 Lifeline:

Step 1: You will be asked to choose from one of the three options: Veterans (Press 1), Spanish-language (Press 2), or your local 988 Lifeline contact center.

Step 2: Hold music will be played while you are connected to a live counselor.

Step 3: You will be introduced to a counselor who will ask you if you are safe.

Step 4: Lastly, your counselor will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be beneficial.

Texting the 988 Lifeline:

Step 1: You choose whether you would like to connect with a live counselor from the main 988 Lifeline, in Spanish (text AYUDA), or get information on how to text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

Step 2: You will accept the terms of service.

Step 3: You will then complete a brief survey to help your counselor understand your situation and how they can best support you.

Step 4: You’ll receive a “Wait” message with a survey link to optional questions while you are being connected to a counselor.

Step 5: You will be introduced to a counselor who will ask you if you are safe.

Step 6: Lastly, your counselor will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be beneficial.

Chatting With the 988 Lifeline:

Step 1: First click “Chat” and you will be directed to a new window with a brief survey. This survey takes under 5 minutes to complete and helps the live counselors understand how to best support you.

Step 2: Click start and accept the Terms of Service.

Step 3: You will then see a message that says you are being connected to a live counselor.

Step 4: You will be introduced to a counselor who will ask you if you are safe.

Step 5: Lastly, your counselor will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be beneficial.

The 988 Lifeline is also accessible to Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals, using a videophone program. Using videophone, individuals can use American Sign Language (ASL) by signing up with an FCC certified video release service (VRS) provider. They will then be provided a device app for communicating with a counselor through a sign language interpreter.

All conversations are free of charge and are only between you and the counselor you are calling. All counselors are local so they are familiar with community mental health resources that can be of assistance to you. The 988 Lifeline is a safe space and judgement- free zone. Whether you are taking care of a friend, loved one, or yourself, the Lifeline counselors are always available to help during any difficult moments.

If you are ever in a moment of distress, tell someone, don’t suffer in silence. Never forget, the world is a better place with you in it! You are one of one! You are strong, loved, unique and most importantly, you matter!