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by Maya Washburn
FIU students and anyone else can access a three-digit phone number that provides professional help during a mental health emergency.
Congress recently enacted a new mental health emergency. Telephone line To address the growing mental health crisis nationwide. People all over the country now have a free, fast and easy-to-remember number to call about the struggles they may be facing.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is dedicated to providing 24/7 confidential support to those struggling with suicidal ideation, addiction or any other mental health issue. It connects callers with a trained mental health counselor at one of the 200 crisis centers across the country.
The previous hotline responded to 3.6 million calls, chats and messages by 2021, and when 988 is launched, the number is expected to reach 7.6 million contacts this year, according to the federal government. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Todd Lengnick, director of FIU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), 988 is a helpful resource for students to use. There is also a separate FIU supported phone number.
Lengnick said over the past few years, people have become more comfortable talking about their mental health issues, which has led to an increase in the number of people reaching out for help.
“People in their 20s today have grown up in a society where there have been school shootings, a focus on social injustice and an incredible divide along political lines in this country,” Lengnick said. “There is a lot to worry about. I say it’s important to have resources available to people when they need them. In that sense, I’m glad the 988 is available.
Lengnick noted the importance of having an emergency phone option as opposed to calling 911 when experiencing a mental health emergency.
“There’s a certain level of awareness that goes into mental health support,” Lengnick explained. “With 988, that’s what they do, but the number of crises the police can handle is limitless. There is no way police are trained in mental health support. This is the main task of the people who answer calls to 988.
Ashley Buza, a junior at FIU studying psychology, said shortening the emergency number would greatly increase its reach.
“I find it very important to have a 988 number now,” said Buza. “As a college student, I’ve met quite a few peers in their lives who could use the hotline.”
Buza considers herself an advocate for such resources.
“I was at a low point in my life,” she said, “and I needed more help with some things.”
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