What’s the Problem With 988, the New Suicide Hotline?
You’ve probably already heard that the National Suicide Prevention Service recently got a new three-digit phone number: 988 . Understandably, this easier-to-remember code has been widely circulated in the media as advocates strive to make sure that anyone who needs a lifeline will have three digits in mind the same way they do 911. (The previous number was 1.-800 -273-8255 and this one still works.)
However, you may also have noticed that there was a backlash amid this media rush. Numerous advocates are speaking out — often using infographics like those circulating on Instagram during the civil unrest — and urging people not to call the new number. But why?
What are the arguments against calling 988?
One widely shared infographic states : “988 is not friendly. Do not call, post, share without knowing the risks. The risks include police involvement, humiliating forced treatment in emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitals, the use of medical violence to punish “rebellious” or suffering patients, coercive drug use, crushing medical debts, and life-changing trauma.” Another says the line is “not the hotline we need” and says that those behind it “don’t talk about…what happens after you call”, although it does say, that it is “a good number to call if you are in immediate danger and need to be taken to the hospital for safety.” In this drawing, the American mental health system is called a “shit show” to be avoided unless danger is imminent.
It may seem confusing when mental health advocates oppose a lifeline that connects people at risk with resources, but their criticism also reflects the same criticism that the original lifeline faced. The main problem boils down to the fear that law enforcement officers will respond to mental health calls, leading to situations that can be problematic or even dangerous for those who seek help from trained counselors working in line call centers. There are also fears that the person may be involuntarily hospitalized or even treated. Finally, there are concerns about possible call tracking and the fact that while the line is private, those who use it use caller information to find local resources. Each of these problems can be harmful in and of itself, but also increase the likelihood that a person may face social or professional repercussions for making a phone call.
What does the line of life say about this?
When asked to respond to concerns raised by defense attorneys, a Lifehacker spokesperson directed Lifehacker to a FAQ page , which addresses call tracing and police involvement. This page says the following:
Lifeline does not currently have the ability to directly “track” callers, chat or text message users in the same way that 911 providers do. … In unusual situations where emergency services need to be contacted to prevent serious or fatal injury to people and the person is unwilling or unable to share their location information, rescue advisors should provide the information they have to emergency operators. the user’s phone number or chat user’s IP address so they can do their best to find the person.
The FAQ also states: “The Lifeline recommends that crisis counselors contact emergency services (911, police, sheriff) for help only when the risk of harm to themselves or others is imminent or underway, and when a less invasive caller plan/text message security cannot be negotiated with the person. Less than two percent of Lifeline calls involve emergency services. When emergency services are involved, more than half of these emergency calls are with the caller’s consent.”
Vibrant, the organization behind the line, also acknowledges that contact with emergency services can be “traumatic and dangerous”, which is why they try to keep it out. However, researchers and advocates still have their concerns. As one suicidologist tweeted , while the simpler number and increased number of trained crisis teams involved in 988 is a good thing, “it still involves active rescue without consent, which means they can [and] trace your call [ and] send the police if they see fit.”
What does this mean for you?
The suicidologist mentioned above pointed out that the big problem here is that people who need help during a crisis may not make phone calls for fear of contact with the police, involuntary hospitalization, or the consequences of their call, regardless of whether they manifest themselves in professional or social sphere. , or residential paths.
If you’re in a mental health crisis of any kind, the line will answer your call, though as Lifehacker Health Senior Editor Beth Skwarecki pointed out in her review of the new line’s functionality , if you’re not in danger and just want to talk to someone, you can instead consider a hotline. A list of hotline numbers can be found here .
However, if you are in immediate danger and decide to call 988, this does not guarantee that the police will be sent or you will be taken to the hospital. At the other end, there is no script for trained crisis counselors to follow; they can help you develop a safety plan, encourage you to contact friends or family members, or help you find other resources. They may also set up a follow-up call with you or even send a consultant to your home if you agree and the option is available.
While fears of contact with the police and involuntary interference are completely justified, you have several options, whether you are in immediate danger or just need someone to talk to. If you end up calling 988, don’t be afraid to mention that you’re concerned about dealing with 911, especially if it makes your situation worse. Crisis Counselors are trained to have open conversations and their ultimate goal is your safety, so make it clear that there are repercussions—like calling the police or anything else that could affect your work—that will make you feel less secure. .