New 988 Suicide Hotline Offers Shortcut in Crisis

On July 16, 2022, the new 988 suicide hotline marked its debut. Instead of having to call the former 10-digit number, those struggling with thoughts of suicide, or calling on behalf of a suicidal person, can simply call 988 to be connected to a counselor. (The 10-digit line still works, too.)

As reported by The New York Times, counselors are trained to provide guidance to those having trouble with substance abuse, mental health conditions, and suicidal ideation. Anyone who calls will benefit from the same kind of confidentiality they would receive at a doctor’s office.

Stress Levels on the Rise

When dealing with stress, anxiety, and mental health, it’s easy to feel like it’s all in your head and in your head alone. But if you’re working to navigate high stress levels, you have a lot more company, and a lot more support, than you may realize. We are seeing stress levels rising everywhere. It’s time to learn more about what causes stress, who it impacts, and what you can do to help change it.

Rural Areas Lacking Mental Healthcare, Suicide Prevention

Accessing mental healthcare can be challenging. You need a provider who offers the specific care you need, who clicks with you on a personal level, and fits with your finances. Even if you live in a city with lots of choices, the task of finding the right care can seem overwhelming. If you live in a rural area where choices are few and far between, it can feel impossible. But you can find access to mental healthcare in rural areas.

The Benefits of IOPs

If you don’t need medically supervised detox services, an IOP may be able to offer all the support and resources you need for a successful recovery. An IOP can also act as a step up from regular therapy sessions if you need more resources and accountability than weekly meetings. Or an IOP is also the perfect step down from inpatient programs, offering a helping hand as you adjust from full-time treatment back into regular daily life.