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invisible aid
crisis · this is here

if right now is too much.

these lines exist for exactly this. they are free, anonymous, and answered by trained people. you do not need to be ‘sure enough’ or ‘in enough crisis’ to use them. the bar is wanting to talk.

if you are in immediate physical danger or someone else is — call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or go to the nearest emergency room.

if you don’t know where to start

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    call or text 988 · 24/7

    free, confidential, 24/7. for any kind of emotional crisis — not only suicide. you can text if calling feels impossible. spanish, ASL video chat, and chat at 988lifeline.org all available.

  • Crisis Text Line

    text HOME to 741741 · 24/7

    trained volunteer counselors, free and confidential, by text. especially good if you can't speak out loud right now.

  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth)

    call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or chat online · 24/7

    for lgbtq+ young people in crisis or anyone needing a safe, knowledgeable person to talk to. confidential.

  • Trans Lifeline

    call 1-877-565-8860 · open hours posted at translifeline.org

    peer support hotline run by and for trans people. operators don't trace calls or call emergency services without consent.

specific situations

outside the US

  • Find a Helpline (international directory)

    findahelpline.com

    search for crisis lines by country. covers 130+ countries with verified, free services.

  • International Association for Suicide Prevention

    iasp.info/resources/crisis-centres

    country-by-country directory of suicide-prevention services.

while you wait, or while you decide

  • cold water on your face or wrists, or a cold shower for 30 seconds. it slows your heart rate fast and is well-documented.
  • name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you can touch, 2 you smell, 1 you taste. this is a real grounding tool, not a platitude.
  • if there is anything in your space you could use to harm yourself, put distance between you and it. give it to someone, lock it away, leave the room.
  • tell one person where you are, even just a text. you do not have to explain.
  • if it helps, the companion here is awake. it will sit with you. it will also surface these resources back to you if it senses you need them.