In 2022, a new nationwide service became available to everyone in the United States. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) was simplified by dialing a simple 3-digit number—988. The traditional 800-number is still available, but a person in crisis is unlikely to remember an 11-digit phone number but might remember 988. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that, in the first year offering 988, 5-million contacts to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline were answered—nearly 2-million more than the previous 12 months.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network includes more than 200 crisis centers, and has been in operation since 2005. Numerous studies have shown that this critical counseling service is effective in helping callers feel less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful.
Suicide is a major public health problem and was declared the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2019. It is a significant concern among older Americans. While older adults make up about 12% of the population, roughly 18% of all suicides are attempted by adults over the age of 60. Among all age groups, men over the age of 85 experience the highest percentage of suicides annually. It is possible that these numbers are much higher as “silent suicides” such as deaths from overdoses, self-starvation or dehydration, and “accidents” are not always recognized as suicide. The World Health Organization released a study in March 2022 reporting a 25% increase in anxiety and depression since the shut-down in 2020.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center identifies the following as risk factors for suicide among older Americans.
- Depression and other mental health problems
- Substance use problems (including prescription medications)
- Physical illness, disability, and pain
- Social isolation
The National Council on Aging lists the following as possible warning signs that an older person may be considering suicide.
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Giving away beloved items or changing their will
- Avoiding social activities
- Neglecting self-care, medical regimens, and grooming
- Exhibiting a preoccupation with death
- Lacking concern for personal safety
A person feeling suicidal or struggling with depression or other crisis may call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. In addition, concerned friends, family, or caregivers may also call the Lifeline for advice and counseling. If the situation is life-threatening, 911 should be called immediately.
What should a person expect if they call 988? Options will be offered for Spanish or other languages (over 150 languages are available) and a special line for veterans and active-service members. Most calls will then be routed to a call center that is situated as close to the caller’s location as possible. Routing the call to a local call center allows the counselor to offer suggestions for services that are available in the caller’s location. According to the Lifeline administrators, 85% of calls are connected with a counselor within 30 seconds of the recorded greetings, and 97% are connected within 75 seconds. Once connected, a trained counselor will listen, understand how the caller’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect the caller to resources if necessary.
Anyone can call 988 to get emotional support—whether they are thinking about suicide or not. There is no minimum age, and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on holidays. The Lifeline is available for non-English speakers and people who are deaf or hard of hearing (TTY 1-800-799-4889).