Calling 988

[BonfireLit]

Does calling 988 help when your partner is feeling suicidal: passively, actively or threatening? I tried it once but she wrestled the phone out my hands and hung up before it picked up. What happens when you call 988? Usually, I can just stay with her until she feels safe, but it gets so hard when it's one in the morning and she's having an episode. I have work! Any suggestions?

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RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING This is a high level discussion board for solving ongoing, day-to-day relationship conflicts. Members are welcomed to express frustration but must seek constructive solutions to problems. This is not a place for relationship "stay" or "leave" discussions. Please read the specific guidelines for this group.

[kells76]

In terms of whether it helps, that's a good question, and I think it depends -- were you hoping for help for her (i.e. to get her to talk/text to 988 somehow), or for yourself?

The 988 website has a general overview of what to expect.

My current understanding is that anyone, even the non-suicidal person, can contact 988. They do say in their FAQ that "anyone who is struggling can use this service, whether it be someone who is depressed, needs to talk, or is contemplating suicide." I am not sure what the next steps would be if you described your situation, but it's certainly worth a try. I'd be interested to hear what you learn after you get in touch.

Besides 988, which I think is both call and text, you can also contact 741741, which I think is text-based (text, chat, WhatsApp) only, no traditional phone call.