The new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched on July 16, 2022. With 988, it’s now easier than ever for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress–whether that is thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress–to seek immediate help.

The new 988 dialing code operates through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline) network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the U.S. People can now access a strengthened and expanded Lifeline via 988 or the existing 10-digit number (which will not go away).

In this post, we’ll continue the introduction of the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and provide additional resources for you to learn more and be prepared if you or someone you know experiences a mental health crisis.

What is 988?

Beyond being an easy-to-remember number, 988 provides a direct connection to trained, compassionate and community-based crisis counselors for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress–whether that is thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Who can use 988?

988 services are confidential, free and available 24/7/365 for anyone experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis. And 988 isn’t just for you. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

How are 988 services accessed?

The 988-dialing code is available for call (multiple languages) or text (English only), and chat services (English only) can be accessed at 988Lifeline.org. 988 services are available through every landline, cell phone and voice-over-internet device in the U.S.

 How is 988 different from 911?

The focus of 988 is to provide easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from 911, where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police, as needed.

Why was 988 created and where can I get more information?

Congress designated the new 988 dialing code in 2020 to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the lead federal agency, along with Vibrant Emotional Health (operational home of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Veterans Affairs, to make 988 a reality in the U.S.

SAMHSA provides comprehensive resources for anyone to learn more about 988, suicide prevention and mental health crisis services at   SAMHSA.gov/988.

Is my state ready for 988?

States are at varying degrees of readiness for the volume increases expected from moving to the 3-digit code, 988. The federal government is responding to resource challenges with unprecedented levels of funding and an all-of-government approach to partner with state and local leaders to improve system capacity and performance.

Find additional information and materials on suicide prevention at MagellanHealthcare.com/Prevent-Suicide, and stay tuned for our September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month campaign and free webinar.

Sign up to receive updates a few times a month from Magellan on free behavioral health resources you can use and share with family, friends and colleagues here.

Sources: SAMHSA and the National Action Alliance for Suicide prevention

Being a parent of a child with physical, emotional, or behavioral problems can be exhausting. Try to take good care of your physical and emotional health. Doing so will help provide you with needed energy to care for your child with special needs.

Schedule time for yourself. Use a calendar or planner to set aside specific times for buying and cooking healthy foods, resting, visiting with friends, and doing other things you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to ask family members or friends for help. Take a break while your child uses community services (such as school programs, social skills training, job training, and counseling). Ask your doctor about other resources that can provide you with needed personal time.

Learn ways to handle the normal range of emotions, fears, and concerns that go along with raising a child with special needs. Seek information about your child’s condition so that you will know what to expect. Use exercise, positive self-talk, relaxation, deep breathing, and other techniques to help you handle stress. Learn how to recognize when you need to use them.

Find out whether there is a support group in your area for parents of children with the same condition. Local and national groups can help connect families and provide much-needed sources of information. It may help you to share your feelings with others or simply to find out how others have addressed common issues. It can be comforting to talk with other parents who also face the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs.

Seek and accept support from others. Don’t wait for information and assistance to come to you. Consider using respite care, which is a family support service that provides a break for parents and siblings. Trained staff can relieve family members from caregiving duties as needed. These breaks can help families communicate in a less stressful context and allow parents to focus complete attention on their other children for a while.

Allow yourself time to grieve if needed. You may feel a sense of loss about the dreams you had for your child. As you work through your grief, you will be better able to care for yourself and your family. Talk with your doctor or another health professional if you think you or another family member may be depressed or having other emotional difficulties.

Be realistic. In raising any child, there are no guarantees for success. It is important to remember to do the best you can and to know that you can’t control everything.

Believe in yourself. When self-doubts creep into your thoughts, remember to focus on the many good things you do for yourself and your child. If you are having problems dealing with your feelings about your child’s condition, talk with your doctor about whether counseling may be helpful.

Work with family and friends. Your family and friends may have concerns about your child. To address those concerns, you can:

• Talk about how your child’s condition affects you. Be open and honest about your hopes and concerns. Encourage others to talk about their feelings.
• Encourage them to learn about your child’s condition.
• Ask your other children to help with the care of the affected child as much as they are able. Allow them to refuse to help if they do not want to.

For additional information, visit MagellanHealth.com/MYMH

This document is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here.

April marks Autism Awareness Month, which focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). People with ASD may learn, communicate, and behave in ways that are different from others. Learn more about ASD below, and click on our tip sheets to find additional resources, including ways that you can help support others around you who may be impacted by ASD.

1. In the United States, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Boys are 4.5 times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls.^[1]
2. Signs and symptoms of autism often start between 12 and 18 months of age. Sometimes a child will develop normally until the second year of life, then develop autism. ^[2]
3. Some people have had concerns that autism is caused by childhood vaccinations. However, extensive research over the past twenty years has shown there is no link between vaccinations, or the ingredients in vaccinations, and ASD. ^[3]
4. Children with ASD are prone to wandering or bolting from a safe, supervised place. This common behavior can cause great stress for families. ^[4]
5. People with ASD often suffer from other medical conditions which may include allergies, asthma, epilepsy, digestive disorders, obesity, persistent viral infections, sleeping disorders, and more. ^[5]
6. While many children with autism also have intellectual disabilities, almost half (about 44 percent) have average to above average intellectual ability. ^[6]
7. Although there is no cure for ASD, there are early intervention services to help children from birth to three years old learn to talk, walk, and interact socially with others. ^[7]
8. Many children with ASD are not diagnosed as early as they could be. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening for all children twice before 24 months. ^[8]
9. Children with special needs, including ASD, may be eligible for treatment services under state and federal laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). ^[7]
10. Autism itself does not affect life expectancy. However, studies show that the mortality risk among people with autism is double that of the general population, largely due to accidents. ^[9]

There are many resources to turn to if you are looking to learn more about Autism spectrum disorder.  Begin your search here:

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

How to Support Parents of Children with Autism

Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children
2. Autism Speaks: FAQ
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism
4. Autism Speaks: Autism Wandering
5. National Autism Association: Autism Fact Sheet
6. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Data & Statistics
7. Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About ASD
8. American Academy of Pediatrics: Autism
9. Autism Speaks: Mortality and Cause of Death in Autism Spectrum Disorders