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What to expect when you contact

988
We’re ready to help no matter what you’re going through—thoughts of suicide, an emotional crisis, or when you just need someone to talk to.
Get free & confidential help
Call or text 988

What happens when you call or text 988?

Stay on the line or press 0 (zero) to talk to a trained crisis worker. Press 1 for veterans. Press 2 if you want to speak to someone in Spanish. Press 3 for LGBTQ support services.

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Trained crisis workers in Utah answer your call or text as quickly as possible. However, sometimes it takes a few minutes to get you to the best person to help. Don’t hang up!
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Our crisis workers listen to what you’re dealing with—and help you make a plan to get through it. They are trained to help you figure out what to do next. There are a lot of services in Utah to help with whatever you’re going through.
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Depending on your situation, a crisis worker may recommend the two of you work together to create a safety or crisis response plan. Your safety or crisis response plan includes step-by-step instructions to help keep you safe and connect with people and resources that you feel will help you best.

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We group the options for help and services into 3 main types: someone to call, someone to help you, and somewhere safe to go. The crisis worker will be able to give you options that might work best for you.

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Every time I looked for help, I found places or people who could help me or show me a way."
- 988 caller

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Take a breather

Try this calming exercise to clear your mind.

Start
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Reasons to call:

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Problems in relationships, work, or school.

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Feeling lonely.
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Your child is struggling.
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Concerns about money.
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Stress.
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Don't want to talk to your family or friends about how you're feeling.
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Thoughts of suicide.
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Feeling numb inside and don't seem to care about anything anymore.
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Worried about someone else.
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Feeling like you're doing your best, but life isn't going as planned.

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Having a hard time making friends.
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Feeling like you aren't able to go about daily tasks (like caring for your personal hygiene or changing your clothes).
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Isolating yourself from loved ones, coworkers, classmates, and others.
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Sudden mood swings, such as suddenly happy or calm after feeling sad or depressed.
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Can't figure out what to do next in a situation.
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Loss or grief.
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Child or teenager won't calm down.
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LGBTQ-related challenges.
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Depression or anxiety.
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Emotional or mental health challenges.
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Drug or alcohol problems.
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Family issues.
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Having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else.
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Create a safety plan:

A safety plan can help someone get through a crisis safely. It includes step-by-step instructions the person can follow to stay connected to people and resources that will be helpful in their time of need.

Studies show safety plans have made a significant difference to people who have used them. You can help by encouraging your loved one to work with a trained crisis worker at 988 to create their own safety plan.

Download safety plan
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Learn more about how 988 can help you find

Are you experiencing something else?

We are here to listen, support, and guide you through whatever challenges you’re facing. While 988 provides a wide range of assistance, there may be times when your situation requires specialized care. In those instances, we will connect you with trusted resources and professionals who are specially trained to provide the support and expertise you need to move forward.

Domestic abuse

This helpline offers confidential support, resources, and guidance to ensure safety and provide assistance for navigating legal, housing, and counseling options

Get help

Sexual abuse

A safe and supportive space for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse. It connects survivors to specialized counseling services, legal advocacy, and emotional support tailored to their needs.

Get help

Substance use

Struggling with substance use or addiction? This helpline offers immediate support, referrals to treatment centers, and ongoing assistance to help you or your loved ones on the path to recovery.

Get help

Need a therapist

For those seeking sustained mental health support, this resource connects individuals with therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services.

Get help

Postpartum depression or anxiety

Directory of professionals and support groups with training in perinatal mental health (perinatal means during pregnancy and postpartum). The resources listed can provide help for depression, anxiety, infertility, miscarriage, birth trauma, and more.

Get help

Financial or housing insecurity

This directory can help you find guidance on financial assistance, affordable housing options, legal aid, and access to emergency support services.

Get help

Frequently Asked Questions

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More help is available

If you don’t need to talk to someone today but would still like to find additional support, Live On Utah is here to help. Browse their collection of resources specifically for Utahns who are parents, veterans, faith leaders, Latino, LGBTQIA+, firearm owners, and more.
Learn more
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Communications toolkit

Find ready-to-print, use or share 988 materials for suicide prevention related communications.
View toolkit

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