What is Chat?
It’s a place to talk about problems and stress that may be difficult to talk about anywhere else… a place to find non-judgmental support and help through a difficult time. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a place to find information on mental health problems and services. It’s a confidential, secure, and anonymous way of reaching out for help when you don’t know where else to turn.
Who is it for?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is for anyone who is going through a hard time and just needs to talk, including people who are thinking about suicide. It’s for anyone who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family stressors, abuse, financial issues, and more. It’s for anyone looking for a compassionate connection when they are feeling most alone.
What we do on Chat
*Listen to what is going on with you today.
*Support you in a non-judgmental and compassionate way.
*Help you explore your feelings, thoughts, and options.
*Ask you questions about suicide and let you know that it's ok to talk about suicide on chat.
*Explore positive next steps and options.
What we do not do on Chat
*Give advice.
*Solve your problems.
*Tell you what to do.
*Judge or criticize.
*Chitchat.
Chat Etiquette
*Use a computer with a strong internet connection to minimize disruptions in communications. Note: crisis chat instant messaging does not work well from a hand-held device such as a smart phone.
*Use respectful language.
*Stay focused on the chat and respond promptly.
*Limit multi-tasking (like chatting with friends, going on Facebook, playing video games, etc.) while chatting.
*If you need to step away from the chat for a moment, let us know or end the chat and then come back when you have time.