Glossary

Term · Postpartum: Mind

988

Also: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988 Lifeline, call 988

The three-digit number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. People can call or text it at any hour about thoughts of harming themselves.

In plain words

988 is the national number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. You can call or text 988 at any hour, and a trained counselor answers. The line is also for anyone worried about someone else who may be thinking about suicide. Pregnancy and the first year after birth carry higher risk for some mothers, so this line is part of perinatal care. You do not need to be in crisis to call, and you do not need a diagnosis. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The , 1-833-852-6262, is another option for mothers who want help from people who know perinatal care.

The deeper version

988 went live nationally on July 16, 2022, and replaced the older ten-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number as the public entry point for crisis care in the United States. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) oversees the network, which routes voice, text, and chat contacts to regional crisis centers. Perinatal suicide is a leading cause of in several US states, and the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), offers a parallel route for mothers and families during pregnancy and the first postpartum year.

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Sources

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, national launch July 2022
  • Health Resources and Services Administration — National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262

The Mothership Topic Wiki is general information for mothers and the people who care for them. It is not medical, legal, or mental-health advice and does not create a provider relationship. Experiences posted by members are their own. In an emergency call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.