maya washburn

FIU students and those who may need it now have access to a 3-digit phone number that provides professional assistance during mental health emergencies.

Congress recently announced a new mental health emergency hotline To combat the escalating national mental health crisis. People across the country now have access to a free, easy-to-remember number to call any struggle they may face.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is designed to provide covert 24/7 support to people struggling with suicidal ideation, addiction, or other mental health issues. The service connects callers to a trained mental health her counselor from one of his 200 crisis centers nationwide.

The previous hotline handled 3.6 million calls, chats and messages in 2021, according to the federal government, but with the introduction of 988, the number is expected to receive 7.6 million calls this year. I’m here. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Management.

Todd Lengnick, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at FIU, said 988 is a helpful resource that students should take advantage of. Another hotline number supported by the FIU is also available.

Lengnick noted that over the past few years, people have become more comfortable talking about their mental health issues and more are reaching out for help.

“People in their twenties today grew up in a society that had school shootings. You see a split,” Regnick said. “So there are a lot of stressful things.

Lengnick noted the importance of having an emergency call option rather than calling 911 when faced with a mental health emergency.

“There is some expertise in mental health support,” Legnick explains. “At 988, that is their job, but the range of crises that police respond to is limitless. There is no way the police will be adequately trained in mental health support. It’s the main feature.”

Ashley Bouza, a third-year psychology student at FIU, said the shortened emergency numbers have greatly improved accessibility.

“I think it’s really important that the number 988 exists now,” Boozer said. “As a college student, I saw some of my peers who were at a point in their lives who would have used the hotline.”

Bouza considers herself an advocate for such resources.

“There was a time in my life when I was at rock bottom,” she said.