Moving from Pain to Possibilities

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE

In partnership with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Greater Twin Cities United Way offers suicide prevention support and mental health crisis intervention to callers throughout Minnesota. The service is available 24/7 for everyone and is free and confidential at: 988 or 1-800-273-8255

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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call Specialist - Greater Twin Cities United Way

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicide:
Call 988 (or 1-800-273-8255) for immediate support.

Our Impact to Date

The data below represents calls received since the suicide prevention lifeline launched in January 2021.

90

Calls Per Day

11,000+

People Served

~10%

Of Callers Are Under 15

Helping People Find Hope

The last few years have been extremely hard on our community, with many of our neighbors facing overwhelming challenges. The impact on mental health has been deep and wide-ranging — affecting people of all ages. That’s why, based on the efficacy of our 211 resource helpline infrastructure, the Minnesota Department of Health awarded Greater Twin Cities United Way a $4.2 million grant to develop, launch and provide ongoing suicide prevention support and mental health crisis intervention as a Minnesota-based partner in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The free 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and is staffed by skilled crisis counselors who are trained to listen to callers, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support and get each caller the help they need.

What We Do

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline program is responsible for providing free and confidential suicide risk assessment, emotional support, crisis intervention and referrals to local treatment and support resources, including emergency services. Our specialists help callers explore difficult feelings, assess their risk of suicide and develop a safety plan for the future, which often includes linking the caller to local resources.

Why We Do It

Our highly-trained, empathetic specialists answer about 90 calls per day with the goal of preventing suicide. Many of the callers are seriously considering taking their own lives. Others seek help for loved ones who may be at risk of suicide. Our Lifeline specialists help callers explore options that can reduce distress and hopelessness in their lives.

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When to Call

The following information is republished from 988Lifeline.org

KNOW THE RISK FACTORS

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.

Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Major physical illnesses
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Job or financial loss
Loss of relationship(s)
Easy access to lethal means
Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling 988 (or 1-800-273-8255).

Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings

“When Minnesotans call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, United Way specialists listen with empathy, assess the crisis and risk, de-escalate callers and connect them to local support and resources to help them develop a safety plan.”

- Carolina De Los Rios, United Way's Director, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

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If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicide: Call 988 (or 1-800-273-8255) for immediate support.

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