988 lifeline receives thousands of calls in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Mental health struggles look different for everyone, but that’s no reason not to ask for help, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Advocates are encouraging people to reach out for help, no matter the issue.
Experts said the stigma around mental health issues are lifting and there is more public education. Greg Bennett is the training director for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
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“We are really getting out there to erraticate stigma,” Bennett said. “We are extending support to people who need it.”
Here in Tennessee just last year, Bennett said 988 had over 7,800 calls or texts and 160,000 nationwide.
“I think it’s such a gift to be able to help people when they need it the most,” Bennett said. “Especially now that we are at this turning point.”
Here is what you can expect if you call.
“The whole conversation is just a collabortive effort to get you resources and support for whatever you need in that moment,” Bennett said.
Bennett added everyone’s crisis is different.
One call he took that stands out, he said, involved a person who lost their dentures.
“It’s important to know a crisis looks different for everyone, you know, what might be a crisis to me could be a walk in the park to you or vice versa,” Bennett said.
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Experts said just the little things, like checking in with each other, can also help.
Experts said 988 is a resource that can save lives.
Centerstone, a nationwide mental health and addiction facility, helped News 2 out with this story, too.
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