A global not-for-profit, Crisis Text Line provides free and confidential crisis counseling via SMS message. Its counselors are trained volunteers from around the country. They use active listening, safety planning, and collaborative problem solving.
Using latent class analysis, this study examined the differences in symptomology between different classes of texters who reported suicidal thoughts. The results show that depressed and anxious texters endorsed more psychosocial issues than less symptomatic ones.
Free and confidential
In most states, including Oregon, anyone in crisis can text “OREGON” to 741741. The national Crisis Text Line connects people with a live counselor who offers support and resources. The service is free and confidential. It also provides links to local resources and can work with emergency services to perform a wellness check.
The Discord platform has partnered with Crisis Text Line to help people in need. Users who report a message about self-harm or suicide will be able to chat with a trained Crisis Counselor via the service.
Crisis lines are staffed by volunteers from across the country who are trained to respond to callers and help them navigate available resources. They use active listening and collaborative problem solving to help callers stay safe. They can also connect callers with Lifeline’s national network of more than 150 crisis centers. These hotlines are free and can be accessed day or night. In the United States, you can find a list of helplines by region.
24/7
As the stigma around mental health continues to decrease, tech companies are experimenting with ways to use their platforms to help people. Reddit is the latest to join this trend, launching a text-based service that connects users with trained crisis counselors.
To access the service, users can text “MHA” to 741741. They will then receive a couple automated replies that let them know they’re being connected with a trained crisis counselor. Standard messaging rates apply, depending on the user’s carrier and plan.
The text line is available 24/7 for anyone in need. While most of the conversations revolve around depression and suicidal thoughts, other topics include anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, and housing problems. Many of the individuals who text in are struggling with chronic or acute stressors, including job-related anxiety, relationship challenges and homelessness. These individuals are often at a high level of emotional distress, or in a “hot moment.” In 2021, there was an increase in the number of conversations about grief and loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volunteers are needed
Crisis Text Line provides free, nationwide, 24/7 mental health support and crisis response through text messaging. They train volunteers to help texters move from a hot moment to a cool calm, using active listening and collaborative problem solving. The service also offers help for people dealing with bullying, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Volunteers can participate remotely from anywhere in the United States. All you need is a computer and an internet connection to access their platform and complete shifts. Shifts are typically 2 hours and can be scheduled in advance. However, it’s important to remember that you need to be able to work 2 shifts each week.
To become a Crisis Text Line volunteer, visit their website and click on “volunteer”. You’ll need to complete an application, including your name, email address, birthday, and a password. You’ll then receive training, which will be delivered through their website. After completing training, you can begin working shifts on their platform.
No strings attached
The phrase “no strings attached” is derived from fabric merchants who used to mark flaws in woven cloth with small strings. When a dressmaker or tailor wanted flawless fabric, they would ask the merchant to provide it “with no strings attached.” The idiom is widely used in English-speaking cultures today.
Crisis Text Line is free and confidential and provides 24/7 support through trained volunteer Crisis Counselors. To access it, simply text BRAVE to 741741. A Crisis Counselor will respond with active listening and suggested referrals. They will help you move from a hot moment to a cool calm by de-escalating the situation and helping you create a safety plan. Crisis counselors will only alert emergency services in less than 1% of cases.
The NFHS partnership with Crisis Text Line furthers the 2021-2025 NFHS Strategic Plan and Board of Directors Priorities that identify student mental, emotional and physical wellness as one of the top priorities for the organization. NFHS also continues to promote QPR training and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on its websites and social media.