Understanding 988: A Lifeline for Parents Facing a Teen Mental Health Crisis
Parenting a teen can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences. In today’s world, where mental health concerns among young people are on the rise, many parents find themselves navigating crises that they may feel ill-equipped to handle. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or behavioral challenges, knowing where to turn for help in moments of crisis is critical. This is where 988 comes in.
What Is 988?
In July 2022, the United States launched the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit number that provides access to trained mental health professionals 24/7. This is similar to dialing 911 for emergencies, but 988 is specifically designed to address mental health, substance use, and suicidal crises. The Lifeline is available to anyone in the U.S., and it offers free, confidential support in times of distress.
For parents, 988 is a vital resource. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure about how to help your teen, this helpline offers immediate assistance and guidance.
How Can 988 Help Parents in Crisis?
Immediate Emotional Support
As a parent, watching your teen go through a mental health crisis can be terrifying. You may feel isolated, helpless, or unsure about the next steps. When you call or text 988, you’ll be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will listen to you, help you process the situation, and provide emotional support. These professionals are trained to de-escalate crises and offer practical advice to help manage immediate situations.
Guidance on Next Steps
In a mental health crisis, it’s often difficult to know what actions to take. Should you call your teen’s therapist? Head to the emergency room? The 988 counselor can offer personalized guidance based on your situation. They’ll help you assess whether your teen is in immediate danger, suggest interventions, and direct you to local resources for ongoing care.
Support for Your Teen
If your teen is the one experiencing the crisis and willing to engage, they can speak directly to a counselor. This professional can help your teen manage their emotions in the moment and offer support until you can access more in-depth care. Often, teens may feel more comfortable talking to a third party who is trained to help without judgment.
Connection to Resources
The mental health landscape can be overwhelming to navigate. From finding a therapist to securing an inpatient bed, parents often struggle to locate appropriate resources. When you call 988, the counselor can connect you with local mental health services, hotlines, or resources tailored to your family's needs. This may include connecting you to mobile crisis teams, mental health professionals who can come to your home or community.
Confidentiality and Trust
For many parents, there is fear around seeking help. Will this reflect badly on me? What if my teen doesn’t want to talk? The 988 Lifeline is confidential. Whether you’re the parent or the teen, your information is protected, and the goal is to offer support, not judgment.
When Should You Call 988?
Some parents might wonder what qualifies as a “crisis.” It’s important to remember that a crisis looks different for every family, but here are some situations where calling 988 can be beneficial:
Your teen is talking about self-harm or suicide.
Your teen is experiencing extreme anxiety, panic attacks, or depressive episodes.
You notice sudden and drastic changes in your teen’s behavior, such as withdrawing from friends, poor academic performance, or increased irritability.
Your teen is struggling with substance abuse and is in immediate distress.
You, as a parent, feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about how to support your teen’s mental health.
As a parent, reaching out for help when your teen is facing a mental health crisis is a brave and essential step. The 988 Lifeline offers a compassionate, accessible, and effective resource for navigating these difficult moments. Whether you’re unsure of what to do next, need someone to talk to, or are seeking help for your teen, this number is a beacon of hope.
You don’t have to go through it alone. If you ever find yourself in the midst of a mental health crisis with your teen, don’t hesitate to dial 988. It could be the lifeline you both need.
Resources:
For more information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, visit 988lifeline.org
Explore additional mental health resources for teens through the National Institute of Mental Health