Whether you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, work stress or a relationship problem, it is important to know that there are people there who are listening. That first step of reaching out can be the hardest and bravest.
Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential mental health support through a medium that is familiar to many young people: text.
Free and confidential
A crisis line (or hotline) is a resource that provides immediate crisis counseling, emotional support and information for free. They’re available 24/7 and most are accessible by phone, text message, online chat or in person.
The most common reasons people reach out to a helpline include depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, relationship issues, high stress or alcohol or drug abuse. But no problem is too small or too big for a counselor to support you through a back-and-forth texting conversation that lasts as long as you both feel it needs to.
Volunteers are trained to empathize with texters rather than interrogate them, and they don’t ask about a caller’s history unless it seems relevant to the situation at hand. They also avoid offering advice, empowering the texter to suss out their own solutions instead. If a texter is in immediate danger, the counselor will dispatch emergency services.
A text from the Crisis Text Line service is free to all AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint customers, but standard messaging rates apply for other carriers. This helps the organization cover the cost of the volunteer staff and ensures that all calls, texts and conversations remain completely confidential. Crisis counselors are not a substitute for a doctor, lawyer or therapist, and the conversation can’t be used to diagnose or treat any mental health conditions.
24/7
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by school stress, relationship issues, or the burden of taking care of a sick loved one, Crisis Text Line can help. They’re here 24/7 to chat, text, or call. Just text “GOT5” or “GOT5U” (for college students) to 741741, and you’ll be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor.
Crisis counselors are trained to use active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning to support their texters. They’re also there to deescalate the situation and connect you with local resources. And remember, they’re not going to judge you. They don’t ask for your name, age or gender. And they don’t push you to get emergency services unless you say you are in immediate danger or pose a risk of harming yourself or others.
You can also text about your friend’s struggles. You can even ask the counselors for advice on how to support them. “There’s no wrong way to use the service,” says Raja. “It can be anything from suicidal thoughts to job stress or a breakup.” Just text GOT5 or GOT5U. (Also available in Spanish.) Unlike most helplines, this service is free and anonymous. It’s also not a hotline, although many people call it that to avoid confusion with suicide prevention numbers. It is a helpline, but it’s an empathetic text.
Text “Got5” to 741741
If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s important to remember that help is available. New York State has partnered with Crisis Text Line, an anonymous texting service that’s free and available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy: just text “GOT5” to 741741, or “GOT5U” if you’re a college student.
Busy schedules, financial challenges and maintaining a home can be overwhelming responsibilities for parents. Parents who are feeling alone or overwhelmed can text “GOT5” to 741741, and will receive two automated responses that tell them they’re being connected with one of Crisis Text Line’s trained Crisis Counselors.
A Crisis Counselor will respond to the text and start a confidential, texting conversation that can last as long as needed. People can talk about anything they want, including suicidal thoughts. The counselor will help the person de-escalate their situation and connect them to help locally. The conversations can be empowering — helping someone feel like they’re capable of taking the next step to address their needs. The counselor may also refer the person to ongoing mental health care, if necessary. Using the service is completely free, but standard messaging rates apply. The service is available to anyone in the United States, and is run by trained volunteers. You can also call or use the Facebook Messenger app to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.