Over the past few weeks, our community has carried a heaviness that many of us can feel but may struggle to put into words. In times like these, we are reminded how deeply connected we are. We are neighbors, families, classmates, coworkers, and friends. When one part of our community hurts, we all feel it. It is in these moments especially that we come together, check in on one another, and make sure everyone knows they are not alone.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential, 24/7 resource for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance use crises, or thoughts of suicide. Launched nationwide in 2022 and overseen by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 988 connects individuals to trained crisis counselors anywhere in the United States, including right here in Wisconsin.
At Mental Health America Lakeshore, we believe awareness saves lives. Mental health challenges affect families, schools, workplaces, and faith communities throughout Plymouth and surrounding areas. A simple three-digit number makes it easier to access support quickly, and it could even help save a life. Here’s what we think everyone should know…
988 Is Not Only for Suicide
While suicide prevention is a central part of its mission, 988 is for any kind of mental health or emotional crisis. People reach out for many reasons, including:
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or overwhelming sadness
- Substance use crises
- Grief or trauma
- Relationship or family conflict
- Feeling alone or emotionally overwhelmed
You do not have to be suicidal to call or text. If someone feels they are in crisis, that is reason enough.
Call, Text, or Chat — Especially Important for Teens
988 can be reached by calling, texting, or chatting online. The website can be easily accessed by clicking below, or by scanning the QR code:
The text option has been especially important for young people. Many teens feel more comfortable sending a message than making a phone call. Texting offers privacy, reduces intimidation, and lowers the barrier to asking for help during moments of distress. For parents, caregivers, and educators, this is critical to know: a simple text can connect a young person to immediate support.
What Happens When You Contact 988?
When someone reaches out, they are connected to a trained crisis counselor in a nationwide network of more than 200 crisis centers.
Counselors are trained to:
- Listen without judgment
- Help reduce immediate emotional distress
- Explore coping strategies
- Develop a short-term safety plan if needed
- Connect individuals to local resources
Most conversations are resolved through supportive listening and problem-solving. Emergency services are only contacted in rare cases when there is immediate, life-threatening danger and no other way to ensure safety.
Services are free and confidential, and callers are not required to provide identifying information. Click the link below for an inside look:
988 – What Happens When You Call 988?
Is 988 Making a Difference?
Yes. Since launching in July 2022, millions of people have used 988 nationwide.
Federal performance data show:
- Over 16 million contacts between July 2022 and the end of 2024
- More than 8 million contacts in 2025 alone
- The majority of contacts are calls, with growing use of text and chat
Answer times have also improved significantly since launch, helping more people receive timely support. Research on crisis hotlines consistently shows that most individuals experience reduced emotional distress by the end of the interaction. Many report feeling less suicidal, and past evaluations indicate that some callers believe the conversation directly prevented self-harm.
A Resource for Our Community
Every parent, neighbor, employer, and community leader can play a role in sharing this information. Consider saving 988 in your phone, posting it in your workplace, or sharing it with someone who may need support. Contact us directly-we would be happy to assist you in getting you what you need.
Please take into consideration that 988 and 911 serve different purposes. Call or text 988 for mental health or emotional crises when you need immediate support from a trained counselor; call 911 if there is immediate danger, a medical emergency, or a situation requiring police, fire, or EMS response.
