Help is Here, Delaware.
Call 9-1-1 for urgent public safety issues and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, have taken an overdose or have harmed yourself in any way.
What is 988?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is a nationally recognized dialing code to connect persons in need to immediate support.
When you or someone you know needs support through a crisis, hope has a number: 988.
You can call, text or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect immediately with a caring and trained crisis counselor, available 24/7 for free, confidential support
Who is 988 for?
if you or someone you know needs immediate assistance dealing with emotional distress, a mental health or substance use crisis, thoughts of suicide or just want to talk.
When to call 911
Dial 9-1-1 for urgent public safety issues and if you are experiencing a medical emergency, have taken an overdose or have harmed yourself in any way.
How do you use 988 ?
Call
Dial 988 on your phone or mobile device, and a brief message greets you as the Lifeline routes your call. Once connected, an empathetic, trained crisis counselor will listen, understand and help you navigate your crisis.
Options are available: Press 1 for veteran support | Press 2 for Spanish
Deaf/hard of hearing ASL users, call 988 videophone.
Text
Text “9 8 8” on your mobile device. Your text reaches the network of Lifeline crisis centers to connect you with a counselor. The counselor responds to understand your needs, provide support and resources to help. Options are available in both English and Spanish.
Chat
Complete a brief pre-chat survey to allow a crisis counselor to understand your areas of concern, provide you with assistance and resources.
Warning signs: what to look for
Risks of suicide can stem from many factors, such as mental illness, substance misuse, painful losses, exposure to violence and social isolation. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased.
Suicide warning signs in adults include:
- Talking about or making plans for suicide.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
Additional Important Numbers
Delaware Hope Line
Access peer counseling and support for addiction, emotional distress and mental fatigue 24/7.
833-9-HOPEDE
Crisis Intervention
Call for emergencies, in-person responses and urgent behavioral health situations.
Northern Delaware: 1-800-652-2929
Southern Delaware: 1-800-345-6785
24/7 Youth Crisis Support
For children experiencing a behavioral health crisis, call for 24/7 Mobile Response Stabilization Services.
1-800-969-HELP (4357)
Resources
- Download 988 Digital Materials
- Youth Suicide Prevention Resources
- FAQ for Law Enforcement/First Responders
- Help is Here DE – Addiction prevention, treatment and recovery resource
