New 9-8-8 Crisis Line Has Backup Call Center in New Jersey

People in distress don’t have to worry about being put on hold when they call or text 9-8-8. There are 12 backup centers, including one in New Jersey, that will answer any overflow calls to the Suicide Prevention Hotline. The new 988 number went into effect July 16^th and replaced 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

The Rutgers University call center is joining the new national hotline as one of the backup centers. The 988-crisis line is an alternative to calling the police during a mental health crisis. According to reports, the goal is to have additional help to respond to mental health emergencies that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged restrictions.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which operates under the Department of Health and Human Services, began providing a 24/7 national hotline number in 2005.

Know the Suicide Warning Signs

Understanding the suicide warning signs is important so that people can get help for themselves or their loved ones if necessary. Some of these warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or having suicidal thoughts.
• Talking about wanting to kill oneself.
• Talking about being a burden to other people.
• Using alcohol and drugs.
• Researching ways to commit suicide online.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.

If you notice your loved one having any of these signs, or you think they may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, take time to talk to them and encourage them to call the crisis hotline. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the hotline today.

Mental Illness and Addiction

In 2020, more than 45,000 people in the U.S. died because of suicide. Some groups of people are at higher risk of suicide and suicide attempts than others. When a person has a co-occurring disorder, which is a substance use disorder along with mental health disorder/s, they are at a higher risk of suicide. If you are struggling with addiction and mental illness and looking for rehab in New Jersey, Sunrise House Treatment Center can help kickstart your recovery.