How to Reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Right Now

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available immediately in the United States through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

This resource has come up in coverage of the recent death of Jennifer Eckhart, a former Fox News associate producer and podcast host, whose death was ruled a suicide by the Martin County Medical Examiner’s Office. Stories like this often prompt readers to look up crisis support for themselves or someone else — here’s how to actually use it.

📝 How to contact 988

There are three ways to reach the Lifeline:

• Call 988 from any phone.
• Text 988 from any mobile phone.
• Visit 988lifeline.org to chat online.

All three connect you to trained crisis counselors. It’s free and available in the US.

⚠️ If you’re outside the US

988 is a US-based service. In the UK, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123.

👥 Who it’s for

The Lifeline isn’t only for people actively considering suicide — it’s also there for anyone in emotional distress, or anyone worried about someone else and unsure what to do next.

If you’re not sure whether your situation “counts,” that uncertainty itself is a reason to reach out. The counselors on the other end are trained to help sort that out with you.

Sources / Learn more

• The Independent
• TMZ