988 Suicide Hotline: What to Expect When You Call and How It Can Help

When you’re in crisis, knowing that help is just three digits away can make all the difference. In this episode, journalist Corinne Purtill shares her deeply personal experience of calling a suicide hotline during a dark moment in her life. She opens up about the misconceptions she had about crisis lines, what actually happened when she dialed, and how that call changed everything.

We also discuss what callers can expect when reaching out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, why you don’t need to be suicidal to call, and how trained listeners provide immediate support, guidance, and hope.

This episode is a reminder that crisis lines save lives, and that reaching out is a powerful act of courage—not weakness.

Link to Corinne Purtill's article: https://qz.com/1381952/suicide-hotlines-really-do-save-lives-i-know-because-one-saved-mine/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Misconceptions about suicide hotlines and who they are for
• What it’s like to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• How depression convinces people to hide their struggles
• The importance of having the right words to ask for help
• Why silence and shame worsen mental health struggles
• Corinne’s story of reaching out and finding hope through connection
• What recovery looks like after a crisis

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and the importance of 988 as the new suicide hotline number
 01:00 – Why the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline matters
 02:06 – Corinne’s story: never expecting to call a hotline
 03:34 – How depression convinces us to stay silent
 04:35 – Misconceptions about privacy vs. shame
 04:46 – The risk of stopping antidepressants during pregnancy
 06:05 – Hiding depression behind a smile
 06:54 – The shame that fuels silence and suicidal thoughts
 08:08 – Depression’s biggest lie: convincing you it’s reality
 09:09 – Corinne makes a plan to end her life
 09:43 – The moment she decided to call the hotline
 10:30 – What to say when you reach out for help
 10:57 – The power of having words to ask for support
 11:24 – What happens if you’re placed on hold when calling 988
 12:46 – Recovery after crisis: therapy, medication, and ongoing support
 13:38 – Recognizing warning signs before “code red”

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