SARASOTA (WSNN) – In about two years, people going through a suicidal crisis and seeking help will have an easier number to dial.
“Imagine being in a crisis feeling the worst you’ve ever felt and trying to remember some 1-800 number,” Centerstone’s Regional CEO, Melissa Larkin-Skinner, said.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will transition from the 10-digit 1-800-273-8255 number to ‘988.’ The new number prompted by the rise in suicides, which, since 2008, ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S and claiming more than 48,000 Americans in 2018.
“Suicide is on the rise because depression is on the rise,” Sarasota clinical psychologist, Dr. Eddy Regnier, said. “Human beings were not meant to be socially isolated and unable to touch each other. We were made to have physical contact.”
Dr. Regnier says COVID-19 has made suicides worse as we feel more anxious, depressed, and worried about getting sick.
The Federal Communications Commission established 988 as the new, three-digit phone number to reach suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. Rules adopted by the commission this week require phone service providers to direct all 988 calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
Dr. Regnier says establishing an easy number like 911 will help people get the services they need.
“The easier we can make it for people to access mental health, the more lives we can save,” Dr. Regnier said.
Melissa Larkin-Skinner is President/CEO of Bradenton’s Centerstone of Florida, offers a simple, yet forceful message to those feeling suicidal or in crisis:
“You’re not alone,” Larkin-Skinner said. “Lots of people have these types of feelings, there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Larkin-Skinner says once you call the hotline, you’ll be in touch with someone prepared to offer help and hope.
During the transition to 988, anyone needing help should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800- 273-TALK.