988: You Don't Have to Be in Crisis to Make the Call
Understanding 988, how it differs from 911, and why reaching out might be easier than you think.
By Gordie McClay | Foundation 33
When you hear the number 911, what comes to mind? For most of us, it's an emergency. Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and someone responding because something has gone terribly wrong. Now let me ask you another question. What comes to mind when you hear 988?
I suspect many people think pretty much the same thing. They hear the words "Suicide & Crisis Lifeline" and immediately associate it with an emergency. They may believe it's a number reserved for someone considering suicide, or that making the call automatically means police officers or an ambulance will arrive at their door. I can understand why someone might think that, but it's a misconception we need to change. The truth is, 988 serves a much broader purpose, and understanding how it works might make someone more comfortable reaching out when they need help.
You Don't Have to Be Suicidal to Call 988
Let's get one thing out of the way right away. You don't have to be suicidal to call 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance use concerns, or thoughts of suicide. It's also available to people who are worried about someone else.
Think about the challenges people face every day. Maybe you're going through a divorce, dealing with financial pressures, struggling at work, or grieving the loss of someone you love. Maybe you're feeling anxious, depressed, lonely, or simply overwhelmed by everything life is throwing at you. Or perhaps you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong. You just know you haven't felt like yourself lately. Those are all valid reasons to reach out.
We often ask people how they're doing, and most of the time the answer is predictable. "Good, how about you?" We say it almost automatically, without thinking much about what the other person might actually be experiencing. But what about the person who isn't doing well? What about someone who has been carrying something for weeks or months and doesn't know how to talk about it? That's why resources like 988 matter. You don't need a diagnosis, the perfect words, or even to know exactly what kind of help you're looking for. Sometimes you simply need someone to listen.
What Actually Happens When You Call?
This is where we can ease some of the fear. When you dial 988, you'll hear a brief recorded greeting and be given options, including specialized support for veterans and service members. You'll then be connected with a trained crisis counselor who will ask about your safety, listen to what's going on in your life, and help you work through whatever brought you to make that call.
The conversation might involve talking through a difficult situation, exploring ways to manage overwhelming feelings, or finding additional resources in your community. Sometimes it may simply be an opportunity to talk openly with someone who won't judge you. The service is free, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and confidential, with limited exceptions involving safety and legal requirements. You can also text 988 or chat online if you're not comfortable talking on the phone. You don't have to provide your name or personal information to begin receiving support.
One of the most common concerns, and perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions, is what happens after someone calls. Will the police show up? Will an ambulance arrive? Will someone be taken to a hospital?
Calling 988 does not automatically trigger an emergency response. According to the 988 Lifeline, fewer than 2% of calls involve emergency services. Most callers receive support without police or ambulance involvement. Of course, there are exceptions. If someone is in immediate danger and counseling or other measures can't protect their safety, emergency services may become involved. That distinction matters, and we shouldn't pretend otherwise. But 988's primary goal is to provide support through conversation, help people feel safer, and connect them with resources when appropriate.
Understanding the Difference Between 988 and 911
Although both numbers can save lives, they serve different purposes. We generally call 911 for emergencies that require an immediate physical response, such as a heart attack, serious accident, fire, crime in progress, or someone in immediate physical danger. The 988 Lifeline, on the other hand, is designed to provide mental health and emotional support, suicide prevention, and assistance with substance use concerns.
The two services may work together in some circumstances, particularly when someone's life is in immediate danger. But reaching out to 988 is not the same as calling 911. Understanding that difference is important because it may encourage someone to seek support earlier, before their situation becomes more serious.
You can also contact 988 if you're concerned about someone else. Maybe you've noticed changes in a friend, coworker, spouse, or family member. They've become quieter, withdrawn from activities they once enjoyed, or simply don't seem like themselves. You want to help, but you're not sure what to say or how to approach the conversation. A 988 counselor can help you think through those concerns and explore ways to support that person. You don't have to figure everything out on your own.
Why This Matters to Foundation 33
Foundation 33 was created in memory of my brother Allan, with a mission centered on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and helping people who are struggling. Through that experience, I've come to appreciate just how little we sometimes know about what another person is carrying. Someone can be smiling, laughing, going to work, spending time with family, enjoying sports, and doing all the things they've always done, while quietly struggling with something we may never see.
That's why I believe so strongly in the importance of checking in with one another. Through Foundation 33 and our weekly Check In – Mindset Mondays, we encourage people to connect, have meaningful conversations, and take the time to listen. I often ask a simple question: "How are you really doing?" Not because I expect everyone to share their deepest struggles, but because I want people to know it's okay if the answer isn't always "good."
I've also come to understand that we can't always be the person someone feels comfortable talking to. Even when we love someone, care about them, and genuinely want to help, they may not be ready to share what they're going through with us. Sometimes people need someone outside their family, friendships, or workplace. Someone who will listen without judgment or expectations. That's another reason I believe 988 is such an important resource.
Let's Change the Conversation
We spend a lot of time encouraging people to ask for help, but I think we also need to do a better job explaining what asking for help actually looks like. If someone believes calling 988 automatically means police cars, ambulances, or hospitalization, that fear alone may prevent them from reaching out. Education can help remove that barrier.
We shouldn't have to wait until we're at our breaking point to talk about our mental health. We shouldn't feel embarrassed about needing someone to listen, and we certainly shouldn't believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Life can be difficult, even for people who appear to have everything together. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is acknowledge that we're struggling and start a conversation.
If there's one thing I'd like you to take away from this article, it's this: 988 isn't just a number to call when you think there's no other way out. It's a number you can call when you need someone to help you find a way forward.
At Foundation 33, we believe connection matters, conversations matter, and every person matters. We can't always know what someone else is going through, and we can't always have the answers. But we can keep checking in, encourage meaningful conversations, and help people understand that support is available.
So take a moment to check in with someone today. And just as importantly, check in with yourself.
How are you really doing?
Need Someone to Talk To?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call or text 988, or visit www.988lifeline.org to chat online. The service is free and confidential, with limited safety and legal exceptions. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out, and you can also contact 988 if you're concerned about someone else. Veterans and service members can call 988 and press 1 for specialized support.
If someone is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Foundation 33 | Mental Health Awareness • Suicide Prevention • Connection