Do you know when to call 988 and when to call 911?
It can be hard to know which number to use.
Both can help.
However, they are used for different reasons.
988 is for crisis support.
911 is for immediate danger or an emergency.
Knowing the difference can help you act when help is needed.
When to Call or Text 988
Call or text 988 when you need crisis support.
You can call for yourself.
You can also call if you are worried about someone else.
You do not have to wait for things to get worse.
It is okay to ask for help.
Call 988 for Suicidal Thoughts
Call or text 988 if you are thinking about suicide.
You can also call if you feel like you do not want to live.
You do not need to have a suicide plan.
You do not need to wait until you are in danger.
Reach out when you need support.
Call 988 When You Feel Overwhelmed
Sometimes life feels like too much.
You may feel sad.
You may feel scared.
You may feel anxious.
You may feel hopeless.
You may feel like you cannot cope.
You can call or text 988.
A crisis counselor can listen and help.
Call 988 During a Mental Health Crisis
You can contact 988 during a mental health crisis.
You can also reach out during a substance use crisis.
You do not have to handle the situation alone.
A crisis counselor can listen.
They can help you think about what to do next.
They may also help you find more support.
When to Call 911
Call 911 when someone is in immediate danger.
Call if there is a life-threatening emergency.
Call if someone needs urgent medical help.
Emergency responders can come to help.
Call 911 for Immediate Suicide Danger
Sometimes a suicide crisis becomes an emergency.
Call 911 if someone is about to hurt themselves.
Call if they have already seriously hurt themselves.
Call if they need urgent medical care.
Do not wait when a life is in danger.
What If You Are Not Sure?
You may not know which number to call.
That is okay.
If there is no immediate danger, you can contact 988 for crisis support.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
The important thing is to get help.
You Can Call 988 for Someone Else
You can contact 988 because you are worried about another person.
Maybe you are worried about your child.
Maybe a friend said something that scared you.
Maybe someone you love is talking about suicide.
Call or text 988.
Tell the crisis counselor what is happening.
They can help you think about the next step.
Do Not Wait to Ask for Help
You do not have to wait until things become unbearable.
You do not have to prove that you need help.
If you are struggling, reach out.
If you are worried about someone, reach out.
Getting help early can make a difference.
Remember: 988 or 911?
Keep it simple.
988 = Crisis support
Call or text 988 for:
Suicidal thoughts.
Emotional distress.
A mental health crisis.
A substance use crisis.
Concern about someone else.
911 = Emergency help
Call 911 for:
Immediate danger.
A life-threatening emergency.
A serious injury.
An urgent medical need.
Help Is Available
You do not have to know all the answers.
You only need to take the next step.
Need crisis support?
Call or text 988.
Is someone in immediate danger?
Call 911.
Reach out.
Ask for help.
You matter. Help is here.
