Your mental health has one of the most significant impacts on your daily life. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize it and care for yourself. Approximately 1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences a serious mental illness each year. The good news is that free resources are available if you’re struggling. A mental health therapy helpline can be an excellent aid when you need it.
Reasons People Call a Therapy Helpline
You’re not alone in your mental health struggles. Mental health hotlines exist because there’s a need for them. Many people go through challenging times and need extra support to get them by.
Here are some of the top reasons people call a mental health hotline:
- Feeling overwhelmed by their mental health and having no one else to talk to
- Experiencing new mental health symptoms and not knowing how to handle them
- Feeling isolated
- Having concerns and fears around addiction, mental health, domestic violence or eating disorders
- Needing someone to talk to who won’t judge or get upset
- Having thoughts of harming themselves or committing suicide (if it is an immediate emergency, please call a suicide hotline)
What Information You’ll Be Asked to Share
The typical information you’ll be asked to share when calling a mental health hotline is:
- First name
- Location
- Pronouns
- Age
- Why you’re calling
You don’t necessarily have to share everything above, especially if you’re worried about anonymity.
The counselor or volunteer on the phone will first try to understand if you’re in danger. If they determine you need police or emergency services immediately, they may ask for your location so they can call 911.
How the Call Is Handled and What Comes Next
So, what does the crisis hotline do for you? The person you speak with will respond to your situation; the reaction varies depending on how serious your circumstances are.
As soon as you call, the person on the phone will try to do a quick assessment. They’ll get some minor personal details from you and determine why you’re calling. If you’re in an urgent crisis, they’ll try to work with you to get you immediate help. This is critical to ensure you’re safe and taken out of danger.
If the call isn’t about an emergency, it’s up to you — the caller — to decide where it goes next. You’ll explain why you felt the need to reach out for support and the helpline worker will guide you through the conversation. You’ll continue receiving support until you feel comfortable getting off the phone.
Here are some tips to remember for your call:
- Consider making a plan. Don’t worry about making a plan if you’re in an immediate crisis. Just call and get the urgent support you need. But if you don’t feel it’s an immediate emergency, consider making notes before you call. Outline what you want to share and discuss to make the call as productive as possible.
- Don’t rush. The person on the other end of the line is there to help you. There’s no need to rush or hurry through the call. Take as long as you need to share your story.
- Don’t hesitate to call. Far too many people dismiss their problems as insignificant and not worthy of support. But if it’s taking a toll on you, it’s important. There’s no such thing as a problem too small.
- You’re in control. Although you may be asked a few identifying questions, remember that you only have to share what you feel comfortable with.
- Find privacy. You’ll only get what you need from the call if you feel comfortable being genuinely vulnerable. Take the call in a private space where you can speak openly.
- Follow recommendations. You’ll likely be given some tips on handling your problem. Examples include meditation, cutting off contact with someone or finding a therapist. Please follow these recommendations so your problems can be addressed and appropriately resolved.
Confidentiality and Anonymity: What You Should Know
Some people in a crisis worry about what happens when you call 988 or other hotlines. How much of your information will be stored, and how will it be used?
First, it’s crucial to know that 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other mental health hotlines generally don’t know your precise location. They might assume a rough idea of your location by your area code and encourage you to visit a nearby emergency center, but this is often imprecise.
In emergency situations, a mental health hotline might provide your phone number and IP address to emergency personnel to get you help.
When you call, your counselor may take notes about your discussion. These notes are for training and recording purposes and won’t be shared outside the center.
Your anonymity is protected as much as possible. Above all else, the priority is to help you.
Support and Resources Available to You
There are many mental health hotlines, including some with specialties. Knowing all of them can help you call the right one for your specific problem.
The main hotlines are:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Mental Health Hotline. Call (866) 903-3787 for confidential, 24-hour support on all matters related to your mental health.
- Disaster Distress Hotline. Call (800) 985-5990 for support if you’re experiencing emotional distress related to a natural disaster.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Please call (800) 799-SAFE or text “START” to 88788 if you’ve experienced domestic violence.
- Eating Disorder Hotline. You can call (800) 931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741 for immediate support with an eating disorder.
After the Call
A helpline worker will likely suggest next steps before you get off the phone. These recommendations can vary depending on your specific situation, but they might involve:
- Identifying the people you can reach out to during a future crisis
- Sharing local resources that can be useful in the future
- Recommending a long-term plan, such as finding a therapist
Reach Out Today
The Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential and available 24-7. It’s important to use it when you need it. There’s no shame in getting help. Contact MHH to speak to someone now.
