When Every Minute Counts
It’s 2 AM. You’re staring at the ceiling, thoughts racing darker than they’ve ever been. Maybe you’ve lost a job, a relationship ended, or the weight of everything just feels too heavy. In 2023, men died by suicide 3.8 times more than women, and over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023—that’s one death every 11 minutes. But here’s what matters most: you are not alone, and there is immediate help available right now.
The Truth About Crisis Moments and Getting Help
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie
This isn’t just motivational talk—it’s backed by solid science. Crisis moments, even the darkest ones, are temporary. Research shows that 24% of survivors aged 13 to 24 years reported that less than 5 minutes passed between the idea of suicide and their attempt, while another 24% reported 5 to 19 minutes. These numbers tell us something crucial: suicidal crises are often intense but brief.
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar
Getting through a crisis isn’t a one-time fix. It’s about having the right tools ready when you need them most. Just like Ziglar’s daily motivation, crisis resources work best when you know how to access them quickly and repeatedly.
The science is clear: 98 percent of callers report that their crisis was de-escalated during the call to crisis lines like 988. Researchers found significant decreases in suicidality during the telephone session, and continuing decreases in hopelessness and psychological pain in the following weeks. Professional crisis intervention works.
“Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” – John Maxwell
You have influence over your own life, even in the darkest moments. That influence starts with making one simple choice: reaching out for help.
The 988 Revolution: Your Lifeline That Actually Works
Since launch in July 2022, 988 has received 10.8 million calls, texts, and chats. This isn’t just a phone number—it’s a complete crisis response system designed specifically for moments when life feels overwhelming.
Here’s how 988 works: Simply calling or texting 988 or chatting 988lifeline.org will connect a person in crisis to compassionate care and support for any mental health or substance use-related distress. The service is available 24/7, completely free, and you don’t have to give your name or location.
For men specifically, research shows that more than 50% of people who die by suicide have not been in contact with formal mental health services, with the rate of people who fly ‘under the radar’ of mental health services being higher among men than women. The 988 system was designed to reach exactly these situations.
Take Action: Five Crisis Resources You Can Use Right Now
1. Call or Text 988 Immediately
The moment thoughts turn dark, don’t wait. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a 988 Lifeline crisis counselor. Veterans can press 1 for specialized support, and Spanish speakers can press 2.
2. Use the 988 Chat Feature
If talking feels too overwhelming, visit 988lifeline.org and click chat. It’s the same trained counselors, but through text-based conversation. Perfect for when words feel impossible to speak out loud.
3. Create a Safety Plan Today
Safety Planning Intervention provides tools for managing suicidal crises by helping people identify thoughts, feelings and experiences just prior to a decline in mental health. Write down: warning signs you recognize, coping strategies that have worked before, people you can call, professionals you can contact, and how to make your environment safer.
4. Remove or Secure Lethal Means
If a person does not have access to lethal means they will not die from self-harm behavior. This can be temporary—just for getting through the crisis. Ask a trusted friend to hold firearms, medications, or other means. It’s about buying time until the crisis passes.
5. Text “HOME” to 741741 for Crisis Text Line
Another 24/7 option that connects you to trained crisis counselors via text messaging. Sometimes typing feels easier than talking.
Try This Today: The 5-Minute Crisis Circuit Breaker
When crisis thoughts hit, try this research-backed approach:
Step 1: Stop what you’re doing. Say out loud: “This is a crisis moment, not a permanent reality.”
Step 2: Call 988 or text “HOME” to 741741. Don’t debate it—just do it.
Step 3: While connecting, do the 4-7-8 breathing technique: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Repeat three times.
Step 4: Tell the counselor exactly what you’re experiencing. They’ve heard it all before, and they’re trained to help.
Step 5: Make a plan for the next 24 hours with their help. Not next week—just tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
Crisis resources aren’t just phone numbers—they’re proven lifelines. Training primary care physicians in depression recognition and treatment prevents suicide, and education programs in high schools have successfully prevented suicide attempts. The system works when you use it.
Every crisis has an end. Every dark moment can lead to dawn. The resources are here, they’re proven effective, and they’re waiting for your call.
Tomorrow, we’ll explore how outdoor exercise serves as nature’s antidepressant, giving you another powerful tool for mental wellness.
🆘 Crisis support and lifesaving resources
Resources
- CDC Suicide Prevention Data – Official statistics and trends on suicide prevention
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Research – Evidence-based effectiveness studies
- NIMH Suicide Prevention Research – National Institute of Mental Health resources
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Comprehensive statistics and research
- WHO Suicide Prevention Guidelines – Global evidence-based interventions
- Journal of Crisis Intervention Research – Peer-reviewed studies on crisis support effectiveness
- Safe Messaging Guidelines – Evidence-based communication strategies
- Men’s Mental Health Specialists – Specialized suicide prevention for men
- Crisis Safety Planning Research – Evidence-based brief interventions
- KFF Analysis of 988 Implementation – Two-year effectiveness review
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