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CrisisLink’s 24/7 Hotlines Help those in Crisis Around the Clock
Need to talk? Call 1-800-273-TALK
ARLINGTON, VA (May 29, 2008)—Depression and suicide are serious concerns in our region and across the nation. More than 45 million Americans will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives, and an estimated 30% of all clinically depressed individuals attempt suicide. In the United States, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for youth aged 15 to 24 and is the 4th leading cause for adults aged 18 to 65.
1-800-273-TALK and 1-800-SUICIDE are free and confidential numbers that anyone can dial to reach help 24/7. CrisisLink’s highly trained Hotline Specialists answer calls to these national numbers originating from D.C. and Northern Virginia. Calls from Maryland and other parts of the country are answered by one of the more than 170 local crisis centers serving those in need throughout the country. In addition to answering calls to the national Hotline numbers, CrisisLink also operates its own regional 24/7 Hotline, 703-527-4077, which it has operated since 1969.
These free and confidential Hotlines are available around the clock to anyone suffering depression, contemplating suicide, or facing another crisis. They are also available to anyone who might be concerned about a friend, colleague, or family member, but doesn’t quite know how to help.
Knowing how to recognize depression and what to do if you think a friend might be suicidal is life saving information to have, and allows you to be there for him/her in their times of need. In addition to providing immediate support to those in crisis and/or worried about someone who is, CrisisLink also conducts numerous depression awareness and suicide prevention workshops throughout the region to educate students, parents, teachers, and community members how to recognize, and react to, the warning signs of depression and suicide. For more information on CrisisLink’s community education initiatives, please contact Mary Azoy, Director of Community Education & Crisis Response, electronically or by phone at 703-516-6771.
Resource: Fact Sheet on Suicide & Depression in the United States
CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies, giving vital support to those facing life crises, trauma, and suicide, and provides information, education and links to community resources to empower people to help themselves. Since 1969, CrisisLink has answered more than half a million crisis calls, responded to over 25,000 potential suicides, and provided more than a quarter million referrals.
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