Martin-dm / Getty Images
Well start by saying this plainly: Experiencingdepressioncan be immensely debilitating.
It isnt uncommon to feel exhausted, isolated, and hopeless when in the throes of depression.
Sometimes, depression can even lead to feelings of questioning if you want to be alive.
Martin-dm / Getty Images
For this reason, mental health professionals have createddepression hotlines.
These are phone numbers you might call when all starts to feel bleak.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
What Is Depression?
Depression is marked by intense sadness, but it is essential to know that sadness differs frombeing depressed.
Depression is an experience that is so severe it impairs your daily functioning.
Below is the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Some may experience all of these symptoms; others may experience some of these symptoms.
Seeing amental health professionalwill help clarify if youre experiencing depression and steps towards healing.
What Is a Depression Hotline?
These hotlines serve as an intervention whenone is feeling in danger of causing harm to themselves.
There are many types ofdepressionhotlines, though not all are referred to as depression hotlines.
Scholarly journals that have researched these resources use the termdepression hotlineinterchangeably with the termscrisis hotlinesandsuicide hotlines.
Depression is often at the root of crises andsuicidal thoughts.
It is safe to consider both crisis and suicide hotlines as forms of depression hotlines.
How to Contact Them
you’re free to reach them at1-800-273-8255.
you could also head to their website and use their chat function.
Samritans
Samaritansis a suicide prevention hotline that focuses on “befriending.”
you could call or text them 24/7 at (877) 870-4673 (HOPE).
They can also support those experiencingeating disorders,emotional abuse,self-harm,anxiety, andsuicidal thoughts.
you could reach them bytexting HOME to 741741.
When Should I Call a Depression Hotline?
At worst, you won’t find their support helpful and will seek alicensed mental health providerinstead.
At best, they may provide the support that changes the course of your life.
Below are some frequently asked questions.
What Happens When I Call the Hotline?
When calling a hotline, you’re free to expect to talk to someone trained in handlingemotional crises.
The conversation will begin with being asked to share what prompted you to reach out to the hotline.
From there, the counselor will help you sort through the feelings you’re experiencing.
In the case of someone who is suicidal calling a depression hotline, outcomes vary by the hotline.
Confidentiality is honored on hotline calls unless there is imminent danger andadditional support must be involved.
Do I Have to Share My Name?
Anonymity under all circumstances is a crucial principle if a hotline follows the Samaritan movement.
This is done through a focus onempowerment,active listening, and maintaining non-directive communication.
What Types of Questions Can I Ask?
Remember, the hotline is here to support you.
A Word From Verywell
Life can present painful challenges but remember you are never alone.
Your life depends on it.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Major depression statistics.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Depression.
Hoffberg AS, Stearns-Yoder KA, Brenner LA.The effectiveness of crisis line services: a systematic review.Public Health Front.
2019;19(1):342. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2325-y
