MILWAUKEE — It has been six months since the launch of 988, the new three-digit number to help prevent suicide, and millions of calls have been pouring in. The number was started to help people get faster access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The 988 number connects people experiencing any kind of mental health crisis to trained counselors. So far, more than two million people in the country have accessed 988. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says the call volume is higher than anticipated.
"What we have been seeing over time is reaching out for some type of mental health support is just becoming less stigmatized,” said Caroline Crehan Neumann, crisis services coordinator at Wisconsin DHS.
Wisconsin anticipated its 988 center would receive 55,000 calls in the first year. It is now on pace to receive more than 77,000, according to a Vibrant Emotional Health projections report. According to Aurora Health Care's behavioral health therapy director Dr. Munther Barakat, since the pandemic, he has seen an increase in people coming in with more severe mental health issues.
"Prior to this number launch, we've noticed that people had been coming in with more acute symptoms,” said Barakat.
WATCH: Aurora Health Care Dr. Munther Barakat talks about some signs to watch out for in yourself or loved ones for depression and to seek professional help.
He says the main contributor to that was COVID and inequities. Barakat says even though things are returning to a more normal state, it takes much longer for people to mentally rebound.
"There has been a pattern of patients presenting with increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, and oftentimes it is related to isolation,” said Barakat. “We need to understand that once you've been exposed to something for a significant period of time that there is some residual emotional facts that are going to stick with you, and you need to process through them."
There is an option when dialing 988 specifically for veterans to get help from other veterans. The hotline also launched a new option for the LGBTQ community to have similar resources. The 988 crisis line is a 24/7 hotline available for free day or night.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
