Sharing to ensure wide distribution - National Suicide Prevention Helpline number change

I heard about this this morning and I wanted to share it everywhere I could to ensure a WIDE distribution.

The National Suicide Prevention lifeline has updated their number to be more easily memorable; all you need to do now is dial 988 on your landline or cell phone to be connected to the program if you feel that you need help. You can also text the number or start a chat online at their website https://988lifeline.org/. Veterans can dial the number and then press 1 to be connected to people trained to deal with the specific types of issues veterans face.

I’m sharing this here because I’m hoping that all of you who see this will also share it far and wide on your various social media accounts. And who knows; you may save at least one person who was having problems simply by sharing this. While I have not lost anyone to suicide myself, I feel that it’s an important topic that needs to be talked about freely and not kept in the dark. So please share this everywhere you can so we can hopefully save that one life who needs help.

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We lost a dear friend to suicide a few years ago and I’m still coming to terms with it. If you ever feel like that’s an option, please, please talk to someone about it. And if someone you know talks about it, encourage them to talk to someone who can help. And if you know someone who encourages others to commit suicide, definitely reconsider your relationship with them.

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Signal boost.

If someone you know is entertaining darker thoughts, being there for them helps but keep in mind that they might not be ready to talk about things and you don’t need to find the answer. Support them, and listen to them when they are comfortable sharing. Let them know you can help them to find help. This is a big reason why the hotline’s new number is short and easy to remember. Keep it in a back pocket.

If you do end up supporting someone, thank you. It can be challenging and there are support channels for you, too, if and when you need them.

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As someone who has used the service recently, in the UK you can call 112, or The Samaritans on 116123.

International options:

Argentina: +5402234930430

Australia: 131114

Austria: 017133374

Belgium: 106

Botswana: 3911270

Brazil: 212339191

Canada: 5147234000 (Montreal); 18662773553 (outside Montreal)

China: 85223820000

Croatia: 014833888

Denmark: +4570201201

Egypt: 7621602

Finland: 040-5032199

France: 0145394000

Germany: 08001810771

Holland: 09000767

India: 8888817666

Ireland: +4408457909090

Italy: 800860022

Japan: +810352869090

Mexico: 5255102550

New Zealand: 045861048

Norway: +4781533300

Philippines: 028969191

Poland: 5270000

Russia: 0078202577577

Spain: 914590050

South Africa: 0514445691

Sweden: 46317112400

Switzerland: 143

United Kingdom: 08457909090

USA: 18002738255 & 988

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Gotta update the USA number, @BooDooBoo (as per my OP, the number’s now the simple 988), but otherwise thank you for giving the numbers from other countries!

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