You Don't Have To Be In Crisis To Text Crisis Text Line
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS FREE, 24/7 TEXTLINE THAT CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HARDEST MOMENTS
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to.
Crisis Text Line is an amazing resource that anyone can use. It’s easy, anonymous, and totally free. It’s available 24/7 and can be really useful in any moment of pain or struggle in your life.
When you text IDM to 741741, you’re connected within minutes to a real person. You’re not texting with a robot, it’s a real human. All the Crisis Counselors are volunteers who have gone through an extensive interview and training process, and they’re ready and able to help take you from a “hot moment” to a “cool moment.”
And don’t be fooled by the name – a crisis isn’t only for worst-case scenarios or when you’re at a level 10 emotionally. It can be anything you’re having a hard time with, like feeling overwhelmed at school or dealing with the pain of a breakup. A crisis to you is a crisis to them, so don’t discredit your issue just because you don’t think it’s enough of a crisis to qualify. If you’re looking for help and don’t know where to go, text 741741. They’ve got your back.
When to use the Crisis Text Line
THEY CAN HELP YOU WITH ANY ISSUE
A crisis is any moment where you’re feeling painful emotions and you need support. Your crisis can be battling suicidal thoughts, dealing with a breakup, getting a handle on job stress. There’s no issue too big or too small for you to text them about:
Relationship issues
School stress
Loneliness
Self-harm
Grief
A stressful day of work
Anxiety about current events
YOU’RE LOOKING FOR HELPFUL INFORMATION
When you’re really struggling with strong emotions, it can feel impossible to find resources to help you feel better. Sometimes, you just need someone to hand you what you need. Once a Crisis Counselor understands what you’re looking for, they can pass on exercises, resources, or worksheets to help you.
YOU NEED A DISTRACTION
Have you ever had something on your mind that builds and builds until you’re in a full-blown panic? The only thing that helps in those moments is to just pull your attention towards something else. When you have that conversation with a Crisis Counselor, your attention can start to shift.
YOU’RE NOT SURE WHO TO OPEN UP TO
One of the biggest struggles we all face when it comes to mental health is who to talk to. Sometimes we need someone, outside of our friends and family, to lend an ear and empathize with your struggles for an hour. (Hint: You can think of those texts as a test-run before you do talk about your mental health with the people you love.)
YOU WANT TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE
It can be really hard to know what a friend is going through and not how to help. When you text the Crisis Text Line, you can ask for advice on how to help someone else through their struggles. A Crisis Counselor can give you some guidance on helping that person, and it can be a huge relief to share the weight of a friend’s situation with someone else.
What to expect when you text in
1. So, step one: You text IDM at 741741.
2. You get two automated messages that let you know a Crisis Counselor is on their way and asks you to share a bit more about what you’re feeling.
3. While you wait, they send you a link to take a short “quiz” that helps give you some resources, based on what you’re dealing with.
4. Within five minutes, you’ll be connected with a counselor. They’ll say their name and invite you to share a little bit more about what you’re feeling – at your own pace.
5. From there, you can text back and forth, sharing what you feel comfortable with, and your Crisis Counselor will share resources, ask questions, and actively listen. It’s just you and them at that moment, and everything is totally confidential.
6. Once you and your counselor feel like your mental health is in a calmer and safer place, the conversation will end. (Remember that if the conversation isn’t helping you, you can leave whenever it feels right).
7. If you find yourself in a crisis again, the Crisis Text Line will be there for you. This isn’t a replacement for long-term therapy, but it’s a great resource when you need it most.
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Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Admitting we need help is something we all need to do more often, so don’t feel afraid to ask for it when you need it.
Text IDM to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line at any time, and day. If you can’t text in, you can also reach a Crisis Counselor via Facebook Messenger (also available in the U.K., Ireland, and Canada under different numbers).