5 Common Fears About Calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—and Why You Shouldn't Let Them Stop You

Reaching out for help is rarely easy. Whether it's asking for advice, starting therapy, or making a difficult phone call, taking that first step often feels like the hardest part.

When someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, or another mental health crisis, that first step can feel overwhelming. Fear, uncertainty, and common misconceptions prevent many people from contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, even when support could make a life-changing difference.

Understanding what happens when you contact 988—and addressing the fears surrounding it—can make the decision to reach out feel less intimidating. If you or someone you care about is struggling, knowing what to expect may be enough to make that first call or text possible.

What Happens When You Call 988?

According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the process is designed to be simple, supportive, and confidential.

When you call 988, you can expect the following:

1. You'll hear a greeting with options for specialized services, including the Veterans Crisis Line (Press 1), Spanish-language support (Press 2), or connection to your local 988 Lifeline contact center.

2. If necessary, you'll hear brief hold music while you're connected with a trained crisis counselor.

3. The counselor will introduce themselves and begin by making sure you're safe.

4. They'll listen without judgment, help you process what's happening, provide emotional support, and connect you with resources that may help.

   
   

If you prefer not to call, you can also text 988 or chat online through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website.

Knowing what to expect often removes much of the anxiety surrounding the experience. Now let's address five of the most common fears people have about calling 988.

Fear #1: "My Mental Health Isn't Bad Enough"

One of the biggest misconceptions is believing someone else deserves help more.

The truth is that 988 is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress, not just people who are actively suicidal. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, anxious, depressed, or concerned about someone else, you deserve support.

The goal of 988 is to help people before a crisis becomes even more severe. You don't have to wait until you're at your breaking point to ask for help.

Fear #2: "The Person on the Other End Won't Understand"

Many people worry they'll be judged or misunderstood.

In reality, crisis counselors are specially trained to speak with people experiencing emotional pain and mental health crises. They understand that callers may feel scared, angry, frustrated, embarrassed, or hopeless.

Their job isn't to judge or criticize. Their job is to listen, understand your situation, help you feel safe, and work with you to identify the next best steps.

Whatever you're experiencing is worthy of being heard.

Fear #3: "My Family or Friends Will Find Out"

Privacy is another common concern.

Conversations with 988 are confidential. In most situations, what you share remains private. Crisis counselors focus on helping callers develop a plan to stay safe and connect with ongoing support.

Emergency services are generally only involved when there is an immediate risk to someone's safety and no other way to protect them.

Whenever possible, counselors encourage callers to identify trusted family members, friends, or other supportive people who can help them through difficult moments. Building a support network is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide.

Fear #4: "I Can't Afford the Cost"

Many people hesitate because they worry they'll receive a medical bill.

There is no charge from 988 for calling or texting the service, regardless of how long the conversation lasts or how many times you reach out. Depending on your phone plan, standard carrier charges for calls or texts may still apply.

If emergency services become necessary, separate costs may be associated with those services.

For Veterans and their families facing financial hardship, our Best is Yet to Come program helps connect individuals with available resources and support.

Fear #5: "What If They Can't Help Me?"

When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's easy to believe nothing will improve.

However, suicidal thoughts are often a response to problems that feel impossible to solve—not evidence that life can never get better.

Financial stress, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, employment difficulties, chronic illness, or untreated mental health conditions can all contribute to suicidal thoughts. With the right support, resources, therapy, medication, or practical assistance, those underlying problems can often be addressed.

A crisis counselor may not solve every problem during one conversation, but they can help you stay safe, reduce the intensity of the crisis, and connect you with ongoing support that can make recovery possible.

Sometimes that first conversation is the beginning of hope.

Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members

Veterans and active-duty military personnel can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1.

These conversations are confidential, and active-duty service members should not avoid seeking help out of fear of career repercussions. Reaching out for support is a sign of taking your health seriously.

Help Is Available 24/7

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Support is offered in:

• English

• Spanish

• American Sign Language (ASL)

  
  

You can connect by:

• Calling 988

• Texting 988

• Chatting online through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website

  
  

You Don't Have to Take the First Step Alone

Sometimes making the call feels less overwhelming when someone is with you.

Through our Best is Yet to Come program, funded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, our case managers may help individuals make a call to 988 when appropriate. Having a trusted person nearby can reduce fear, answer questions, and make reaching out feel more manageable.

Asking for help takes courage. Every conversation doesn't have to solve every problem—it simply has to be the first step toward getting the support you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is calling 988 confidential?

Yes. Conversations with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are confidential. Emergency services are typically only contacted when there is an immediate risk to someone's safety and no other way to keep that person safe.

Can I call 988 even if I'm not suicidal?

Absolutely. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline supports people experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, or any mental health crisis—not only those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Is there a cost to call 988?

No. There is no fee from 988 for calling or texting, although your mobile carrier's standard rates may apply depending on your service plan.

What if I'm calling for someone else?

You can contact 988 if you're concerned about a friend, family member, coworker, or loved one. Crisis counselors can provide guidance on how to support them safely.

This article is brought to you by the Best is Yet to Come Program, a suicide prevention and mental health aftercare program serving active-duty service members, Veterans, and their families. Our mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, strengthen protective factors, and connect individuals with lifesaving resources and ongoing support.

The program is made possible through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which expands access to suicide prevention services and crisis care for military-connected communities.

To learn more about the Best is Yet to Come Program or to connect with one of our team members, visit our webpage today.