By ANGIE

MATUSZEWSKI

Aging and Disability Resource Center

of Florence County

FLORENCE, Wis. — If you’re feeling sad, lonely, and hopeless–and you’ve even thought about harming yourself–know that you are not alone.

Many people, even those who seem to have everything going for them, have had feelings similar to what you’re experiencing right now.

Thinking about suicide does not make you a failure or a weak person. It simply means you are in a great deal of pain. There is hope beyond that pain, and help is available when you feel you have no other options.

What should I do if I’m having suicidal thoughts? One of the first steps to coping with an emotional crisis is to immediately tell someone else how you’re feeling. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, clergy member, therapist or doctor, another person can often remind you that your presence in this world matters and that life is worth living. The simple act of “talking it out” can help relieve some of the intensity of your emotions and help you see solutions to your problems more clearly.

The person you turn to doesn’t have to be someone you know. You can dial or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, from your phone to speak with a counselor who is specially trained in suicide prevention. These counselors are available anytime, day or night, 365 days a year. Calling 988 is also an option if you’re not feeling heard or understood by the first person you reached out to.

What is 988? How can a suicide prevention hotline help me? 988 is a universal dialing code created to broaden access to lifesaving suicide prevention and crisis services. It was made available to everyone across the U.S. in 2022.

Dialing 988 connects people in crisis (or concerned friends, family, and caregivers) directly to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where counselors provide free, unbiased, and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dialing 988 is just like dialing 911 for emergency response or 411 for information services.

When you call or send a text message to 988, you are put in touch with a trained counselor from the existing Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. Located in 200 crisis centers all over the country, these counselors are experienced in responding to people in emotional distress, including those with suicidal intent.

Studies have shown that after talking to a Lifeline counselor, people often feel less depressed and more hopeful about their situation.

No matter what, you always have someone to turn to. Sadness and depression can make you feel all alone in the world. However, there are caring people who want to help you through this very difficult time, no matter what problems you’re dealing with. If you or someone you care about is struggling, dial or text 988 now to speak with a Lifeline counselor.

For more information, contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County at 715-528-4890 or stop by the office, located in the lower level of the Florence County Courthouse, 501 Lake Ave., Florence. You may also visit them on the web at www.florencecountywi.com — click on Aging and Disability Resource Center — or check out the ADRC of Florence County Facebook page.