988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress.
988Crisis support
Help is available 24/7.
You are not alone. These resources are here during difficult times — whether you are in crisis or supporting someone who is.
Immediate help
Reach someone right now.
Crisis Text Line
Text-based crisis support for anyone in crisis.
Text HOME to 741741Emergency Services
For immediate life-threatening emergencies.
911When to seek crisis support
Trust your instincts. Early intervention can prevent a situation from becoming more dangerous.
Crisis support is available immediately — you do not need to wait until things feel unbearable.
Severe depression
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Feeling hopeless or unable to function
- Extreme fatigue or isolation
- Unable to care for basic needs
Severe mania
- Dangerous or reckless behavior
- Severe agitation or aggression
- Psychotic symptoms
- Going days without sleep
Mixed episodes
- High energy with depressed mood
- Extreme irritability with suicidal thoughts
- Agitation and hopelessness together
Bipolar-specific support
Organizations that understand bipolar disorder.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Peer support groups and resources for bipolar disorder.
(800) 826-3632- Support groups
- Online resources
- Wellness tools
International Bipolar Foundation
Education and support for the bipolar community.
ibpf.org- Educational materials
- Support groups
- Webinars
NAMI
Mental health support and advocacy.
(800) 950-NAMI- Support groups
- Education
- Helpline
More resources are also available at BipolarPeople.com/crisis-resources.
Supporting someone in crisis
Listen without judgment. Take threats of self-harm seriously.
Stay calm, help them contact crisis resources, and don't promise to keep suicidal plans secret.
What helps
- Stay with them or ensure someone else can
- Help them reach 988 or emergency services
- Remove means of harm if you safely can
- Follow up after the immediate crisis
What to avoid
- Don't leave them alone if actively suicidal
- Don't argue about whether life is worth living
- Don't act shocked or judgmental
- Don't neglect your own self-care
Your life has value.
Crisis is temporary. Recovery is possible. You deserve support, and help is always available.