Crisis Support Resources
You are not alone. If you're struggling right now, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
24/7 Crisis Hotlines
These services are free, confidential, and available around the clock.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress. Available 24/7 with trained counselors.
Crisis Text Line
Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support. Connect with a trained crisis counselor via text message.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Alcohol Helpline
Immediate support for alcohol-related crises and treatment referrals. Available 24/7.
Warning Signs of a Crisis
Recognizing these signs in yourself or others can help you know when to seek immediate help.
Thoughts & Feelings
- Feeling hopeless or like there's no way out
- Thinking about harming yourself
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Overwhelming anxiety or panic
- Extreme mood swings
Behaviors
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Giving away possessions
- Increased substance use
- Searching for means to harm yourself
- Saying goodbye to people
Physical Signs
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Not eating or overeating
- Physical agitation or restlessness
- Neglecting personal hygiene
Immediate Coping Strategies
While waiting for help or during a difficult moment, these techniques can help you stay safe.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Focus on 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste. This brings you into the present moment.
Call Someone
Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, sponsor, or one of the hotlines above. You don't have to face this alone.
Change Your Environment
Move to a different room, go outside, or change your surroundings. Physical movement can shift your mental state.
Delay the Decision
Promise yourself to wait 15 minutes. Cravings and intense feelings often pass. Repeat if needed.
Additional Support Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Find local and online AA meetings for peer support in alcohol recovery.
Find a MeetingNarcotics Anonymous (NA)
Connect with others recovering from drug addiction through NA meetings.
Find a MeetingHow to Help Someone in Crisis
If someone you know is struggling, here's how you can support them.
Listen Without Judgment
Let them talk. Don't try to fix everything - sometimes people just need to be heard.
Ask Directly
It's okay to ask "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Asking doesn't plant the idea.
Remove Access to Means
Help secure medications, alcohol, or anything that could be used for self-harm.
Stay With Them
Don't leave them alone. Your presence matters, even in silence.
Get Professional Help
Call 988, take them to an emergency room, or call 911 if they're in immediate danger.
You Matter
Recovery is possible. Whatever you're going through right now, this moment will pass. People recover from addiction and mental health crises every day, and so can you.
If you're not ready to call a hotline, that's okay. You can:
- Text instead of calling (text HOME to 741741)
- Chat online at 988 Lifeline Chat
- Reach out to someone you trust
- Come back to this page whenever you need it
You are stronger than you know, and you don't have to face this alone.