Will 988 Call the Police Reddit?
What is 988?
In July 2022, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This means that starting July 16, 2022, individuals in crisis can dial 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors 24/7 and 365 days a year. The goal of this new code is to make it easier for people to access help and support when they are struggling with thoughts of suicide or other mental health issues.
What does 988 do?
When you dial 988, you will be connected with a trained crisis counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. These counselors are available to listen to your concerns, provide support, and connect you with local resources and emergency services if needed. 988 is not a replacement for emergency services, but rather a dedicated line for people in crisis who need support and guidance.
What is the difference between 988 and 911?
While both 988 and 911 are emergency numbers, they serve different purposes. 911 is for immediate emergency situations, such as a medical emergency, a fire, or a crime in progress. 988, on the other hand, is for people in crisis who need support and guidance. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of suicide, 988 is the number to call.
How does 988 work?
When you dial 988, you will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who will:
- Listen to your concerns and provide support
- Help you develop a plan to keep you safe
- Connect you with local resources and emergency services if needed
- Provide information on mental health resources and support services
What happens when I call 988?
When you call 988, you will be asked to provide some basic information, such as:
- Your name
- Your location
- The reason for your call
The crisis counselor will then listen to your concerns and provide support and guidance. They may also ask you some questions to help them better understand your situation and provide more effective support.
Is 988 confidential?
Yes, 988 is confidential. The crisis counselors are trained to maintain confidentiality and will not share your information with anyone without your consent. However, if you are in immediate danger, the counselor may need to share your information with emergency services.
What are the benefits of 988?
The benefits of 988 include:
- Easy access to support: 988 is a dedicated line for people in crisis, making it easier to access support and guidance when you need it most.
- Trained crisis counselors: The crisis counselors are trained to provide support and guidance, and can connect you with local resources and emergency services if needed.
- Confidentiality: The calls are confidential, providing a safe and secure space for people to share their concerns.
- Reduced barriers: 988 eliminates the need to navigate a phone tree or wait for an operator to answer, making it easier to get the help you need quickly.
What are the concerns about 988?
Some concerns about 988 include:
- Potential for misuse: Some people may call 988 as a prank or to waste emergency services’ time.
- Limited resources: Some areas may not have the resources or infrastructure to support the increased demand for crisis services.
- Confusion with 911: Some people may accidentally dial 911 instead of 988, which could lead to confusion and delays.
Conclusion
988 is a new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, designed to make it easier for people to access support and guidance when they are in crisis. While there are some concerns about the new code, the benefits of 988 far outweigh the risks. By providing easy access to trained crisis counselors and confidential support, 988 has the potential to save lives and reduce the stigma around mental health issues.
Table: Key differences between 988 and 911
| 988 | 911 | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Dedicated line for people in crisis | Immediate emergency situations |
| Support | Trained crisis counselors | Emergency services |
| Confidentiality | Confidential | Confidential, but may share information in immediate danger |
| Access | Easy access to support | Difficult to access support |
Additional Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/
References
- Federal Communications Commission. (2022). Designation of 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dialing Code. Retrieved from https://www.fcc.gov/document/designation-988-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline-dialing-code
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (n.d.). About the Lifeline. Retrieved from https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/about-the-lifeline/
