Community News Brief: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Worcester County District Attorney’s Office  
Joseph D. Early, Jr.
Community News Brief: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 Provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Lifeline helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

Mental Health is a Public Health Issue: The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being. It must be recognized and treated in all Americans, including older adults, with the same urgency as physical health.

Mental Health in Older Adults: The CDC estimates that 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder). Mental health issues are often implicated as a factor in cases of emotional distress and suicide. Older men have the highest suicide rate of any age group with men aged 85 years or older having a suicide rate of 45.23 per 100,000, compared to an overall rate of 11.01 per 100,000 for all ages.

Depression in Older Adults: The CDC and National Institute on Aging recognize depression as the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults. Depression is a mood disorder that impacts the way an individual feels, acts, and thinks. The prevalence of depression has been increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it important to recognize signs and symptoms so treatment can be obtained when it is needed. At its worst, depression can cause a mental health crisis including thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 is a free 3-digit phone number that any individual who is in need of support for a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, or any other type of emotional distress can utilize. Individuals can also utilize 988 if they have concerns regarding someone else’s wellbeing. Trained crisis counselors respond to all 988 calls/texts.

Supporting friends and family with depression: It is important to know that family and friends can be supportive of their loved ones, but depression should be treated by a professional. The following is a list of ways to support a loved one with depression.
-   Encourage the person to seek medical treatment and stick with the prescribed treatment plan.
-   Help set up medical appointments or accompany the person to the appointments.
-   Participate in activities the person likes to do.
-   Ask if the person wants to go for a walk or other form of exercise.
-   If you have an immediate concern regarding a loved one’s mental health, call 988.