A suicide hotline recently changed its number to just 988. If you’re distressed or tempted to hurt yourself, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Using this resource can be lifesaving for some. However, what if you only need someone to talk to? That’s when you use “warmlines.”
These are also free and run by trained peers who understand the struggle. Callers who used the warmline felt less isolated and needed fewer crisis services. It’s evident that warmlines are a good idea – and their benefits may be greater than you think. The following are some ways they can help:
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Accessible Mental Health Care
Treatment barriers prevent many people from getting mental health care. A cost barrier prevents at least 39% of people from getting services. Furthermore, people of color have a more challenging time accessing care. Most people don’t have anyone to turn to when they need support. However, warmlines can help address that issue.
A psychiatry professor at Washington University, Dr. Jessica Gold, said warmlines are instrumental in a country with poor mental health care. As well as being more neutral than a loved one, warmline operators aren’t required to see you personally.
Usually, warmlines are available 24/7, so you’re not out of options. Rather than waiting, people can validate their experiences.
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Identifying Challenges Early
It’s also preventative. Warmlines are essential because they provide additional help before a person needs to call 911 or go to the ER, says Jami Shanes, a LifeStance Health counselor. A 2021 survey said warmlines prefer contacting regional crisis services instead of calling 911.
Calling 911 can be incredibly unsafe for people of color and those who’ve had negative experiences with authority. Additionally, ER and inpatient stay costs are outrageous – about $1,000 daily, give or take. This isn’t to invalidate how vital the resources can be but to validate the stressful situation.