Crisis Support
If you're in a dark place, these are the numbers to call. No judgment, no hoops. Just help.
CRISIS SUPPORT
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or Text: 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat
- Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Who it's for: Anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You don't have to be actively suicidal to call — if you're struggling, that's enough.
Crisis Text Line
- Text: HOME to 741741
- Hours: 24/7
- Who it's for: Anyone in crisis. Texting can feel easier than talking — there's no wrong way to reach out. Trained crisis counselors respond to every text.
SAMHSA National Helpline
- Call: 1-800-662-4357
- Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
- Cost: Free
- Who it's for: Individuals and families facing substance use disorders and mental health challenges. If grief has pushed you toward substances, this is a confidential, judgment-free resource for information, referrals, and support.
The Trevor Project
- Call: 1-866-488-7386
- Text: START to 678-678
- Chat: thetrevorproject.org/get-help
- Hours: 24/7
- Who it's for: LGBTQ+ young people (under 25) in crisis. Grief intersects with identity in painful ways, especially when your relationship to the person you lost isn't recognized or validated by everyone around you.
Veterans Crisis Line
- Call: 988, then press 1
- Text: 838255
- Chat: veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
- Hours: 24/7
- Who it's for: Veterans, service members, and their families. Military loss and grief carry unique weight — this line is staffed by people who understand that context.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
- Call or Text: 1-800-422-4453
- Hours: 24/7
- Who it's for: Children, parents, and concerned individuals dealing with abuse. Grief in families can sometimes escalate dangerous situations. If a child is in danger, this line can help.
International Association for Suicide Prevention
- Website: iasp.info/survival-shit/Crisis_Centres
- Who it's for: If you're outside the United States, this directory lists crisis centers around the world.
When to Reach Out
You don't have to be at rock bottom to use these resources. Reach out if:
- You're having thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life
- You feel hopeless and can't see a way through
- You're using substances to cope and it's getting out of control
- You can't eat, sleep, or function for days at a time
- You're scared of what you might do
- You just need someone to talk to who won't judge you
Grief is not a weakness. Asking for help is not a failure. These services exist because you deserve support.
LEGAL SHIT
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. The resources listed here are third-party services; we are not affiliated with them and cannot guarantee their availability or quality of service. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.
Need more resources?
Check out the full resource directory for books, hotlines, therapy options, and tools that don't suck.
View All SURVIVAL SHIT