Employers, ensure that your workforce is aware that the new national mental health crisis line is now live. Anyone can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8 if they're experiencing a mental health emergency and need help.
Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources and best practices for U.S. professionals.
The Biden administration has invested more than $400 million in bolstering crisis centers and other mental health services to support the 988 system. The primary goal of the new number is to make it easier for people to call for help and ultimately prevent suicide, the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics reported 45,979 suicides and an estimated 1.2 million suicide attempts.
Local Resources
For non-emergent support, contact the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Vanderbilt, The center provides scientifically proven complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga and mindfulness, to work alongside conventional medical care. Integrative medicine helps with stress reduction and empowers people to take an active part in healing and wellness to help them enjoy a better quality of life.
Stress-Reduction Articles
High-stress situations, especially if they're frequent and ongoing, can lead to clinical anxiety or depression. Though professional help is needed for crisis situations, it can be helpful to store up some strategies to cope with and de-escalate other less-serious moments of anxiety. Consider these articles from My Southern Health: