You don’t have to carry this alone
If you’re struggling right now
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741. Both are free, confidential and open 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Crisis and support lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For anyone in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, or worried about someone else. Free and confidential.
24/7 · Website
Crisis Text Line
Text with a trained volunteer crisis counselor, about anything that feels like too much.
24/7 · Website
Emergency services
If someone is in immediate danger or has been hurt, call 911 (or your local emergency number).
24/7 · Website
SAMHSA National Helpline
Treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, for individuals and families.
24/7 · Website
NAMI HelpLine
Information, resource referrals and support from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Not a crisis line.
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern · Website
Outside the United States
Find a free, confidential helpline in your country.
Varies by service · Website
Checked on each service’s own website on November 4, 2026. If a number doesn’t work, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Not in crisis, but not okay?
You don’t have to wait until things are unbearable to ask for help. These are good first steps:
- Tell someone you trust. A parent, friend, youth leader, pastor or school counselor. Saying it out loud is often the hardest and most important step. Our guide on starting the conversation can help.
- See your doctor. A primary care doctor can check for physical causes, talk through options and refer you to a counselor or psychiatrist.
- Find a counselor or treatment. FindTreatment.gov (from SAMHSA) lists licensed mental health and substance use treatment across the U.S. Your insurance card or your employer’s employee assistance program (EAP) may also list counselors.
- Talk to your church. Many pastors can listen, pray with you and help you find a Christian counselor. A good pastor will also encourage medical care when it’s needed.
- Students: your school or college counseling center is usually free. See starting college.
Worried about someone else?
Ask them directly how they are doing, and listen. If you think they may be thinking about suicide, it’s okay to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Studies show that asking doesn’t increase suicidal thoughts (#BeThe1To). Then stay with them and call or text 988 together. Read how to help a friend and warning signs of suicide.
A word of hope
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Feeling this way is not a sign that you are weak or that your faith has failed. Pain can lie to you about the future. Help works, and people do get better.