This week officially marks the one year anniversary of the shortened 9-8-8 Crisis Lifeline. Local mental health leaders say the change to 9-8-8 has made it easier for people to reach out for help because it’s more convenient than memorizing the old 10-digit number.
Shatter Our Silence and KP Counseling founder Kevin Polky says even though it’s a national line, it connects people with counselors nearby.
“If it’s somebody who calls and is seeking assistance on how to help someone who is in a dark place, they can also do that as well,” Polky said.
He says it’s important to reach out for help when suffering through a loss of a loved one, a breakup or any other traumatic event.
“Sometimes just sharing it and having someone listen or hear me is enough to kind of dissipate some of that darkness,” Polky said.
He says 9-1-1 should still be called if immediate attention is required such as actively attempting to commit suicide or someone has already taken substances.
