Photo: NITO103/Depositphotos
The ravages of the pandemic have cast a stark light on mental health in America.
Scholars agree thatteens are suffering,anxiety and depressionhave risen among the elderly, andsuicide ratesrose across the nation.
In 2020, the FCC adopted anew rule(how federal agencies make things happen).
Photo: NITO103/Depositphotos
The rule replaced the old 10-digit suicide prevention hotline with a simple 988 number.
The premise seems to have panned out.
In its first five months,988received 1.7 million calls, texts, and chats.
Photo: PIOTR_MARCINSKI/Depositphotos
This is half a million over the volume its predecessor saw in the same time period.
Abandoned calls fell from 18% to 12%.
Average wait time fell from three minutes to 36 seconds.
Young people in particular seem to be drawn to the text and chat functions.
The quicker professionals can respond, the better.
The more supportive and specific, the better, too.
A pilot program with theTrevor Projectaims to connect LGBTQ+ callers with counselors trained in their needs.
States, too, have stepped in to bolster funding and specific programs.
How is millions of people calling a suicide prevention line good news?
Because each time a person calls, they are taking a huge step towards safety and healing.
The lower the barrier to getting help, the better.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, there areways to get help.
You are loved and deserve help.
If you need help, call, text, or chat988today.
