Suicide crisis lines can be found in many countries worldwide. Many are geared to a general audience while others are specific to a select demographic such as LGBT youth, Native American and Aboriginal Canadian youth. There have been studies in the United States[1] and Australia[2] which show that suicide crisis lines may help people who feel like killing or hurting themselves and may make them feel better.
One of the first suicide crisis lines was the Samaritans, founded in the United Kingdom in 1953 by Chad Varah, the then Rector of the former St. Stephen's Church in London. He decided to start a 'listening service' after reading a sermon at the grave of a 13-year-old girl who had died by suicide. She was in distress prior to her death and had no one to talk to.[3]
000 is the national emergency number in Australia.
Lifeline is a 24-hour nationwide service that provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.[6] It can be reached at 13 11 14. They also offer an online chat service from 7pm to midnight Sydney time every day.[7][8]
Kids Helpline is a 24-hour nationwide service that provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and counselling services for Australians aged 5–25. It can be reached at 1800 55 1800. In addition the Kids Helpline does also provide online chat services.[9]
Beyond Blue provides nationwide information and support regarding anxiety, depression, and suicide. It has a helpline which can be reached by calling 1300 22 4636. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the organisation also provides online chat from 3 pm to 12 am every day.[10]
The Suicide Call Back Service is a nationwide service that provides professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide. It has a helpline which can be reached by calling 1300 659 467. The organisation also offers online chat and video chat services.[11]
MensLine Australia is a 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health, mental health and relationship concerns. It has a helpline which can be reached by calling 1300 78 99 78. The organisation also online counselling.[12]
142 is the number of Telefonseelsorge in Austria. Free of charge, operating 24 hours a day.[13]
147 is the number of Rat auf Draht, a crisis number especially for children, juveniles and their attachment figures. Free of charge, operating 24 hours a day.[14]
999 is the national emergency number in Bangladesh. 199 is the national number for ambulance and fire.
Kaan Pete Roi (http://shuni.org/) is an emotional support helpline in Bangladesh whose mission is to alleviate feelings of despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among members of the community, through confidential listening. The helpline is intended for suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health.[16]
Teléfono de la Esperanza aims at promoting mental health to the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world. Bolivians living in Cochabamba and La Paz can call (00 591 4) 4 25 42 42 and 75288084.[19]
190 and 192 are the national emergency numbers for police and ambulances in Brazil.
Centro de Valorização da Vida (http://www.cvv.org.br/) is an emotional and suicidal prevention support NGO founded in 1962 in São Paulo, Brazil, and recognized as Federal Public Utility in 1973. It offers voluntary and free support, with all communications being confidential. Contacts can be made through the phone number 141 (available 24/7), personally (in one of the 72 centres around the country), chat (via their website), VoIP (via Skype) and e-mail.
Kids Help Phone (https://kidshelpphone.ca/) is a free 24/7 national support service that provides confidential professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French.
Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting CONNECT (English) or PARLER (French) to 686-868.
Trans Lifeline (http://www.translifeline.org/) is a toll-free crisis hotline available in the United States and in Canada for transgender people staffed by transgender people.
110 is the national emergency number in mainland China.
Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center (http://www.crisis.org.cn), a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, available 24/7 at 800-810-1117 (for landline callers) or 010-8295-1332 (for mobile and VoIP callers)
Shanghai Mental Health Center (http://www.smhc.org.cn) serves as a mental health clinic as well as teaching, researching and planning mental health prevention throughout China. They can be reached at 021-64387250.
Guangzhou Crisis Research and Intervention Center (http://www.gzcrisis.com/) available 24/7 at 020-81899120 or 020-12320-5, online counseling is also available with QQ messenger at 1661042151
Mental Health Center of School of Medicine of Zhejiang University (http://www.hz7hospital.com/) available 24/7 at 0571-85029595
Plavi Telefon (www.plavi-telefon.hr) can be called at 48 33 888 and aim to provide support for issues such as depression, alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide that traditional centers might not accomplish.
Eluliin (http://www.eluliin.ee/) provides emotional support for those suffering from depression and relationship issues. They're available from 7pm to 7am at 655 8088
Finnish Association for Mental Health has provided assistance and support for those dealing with mental health issues and suicide since 1897. They can be reached at 010 195 202 (Finnish) or (09) 4135 0501 (foreigners).
112 is the national emergency number in France, 15 is the number for ambulances, 114 for all emergency services for deaf using FAX or SMS and 17 is for police.
Fil santé jeunes : 0800 235 236 : anonymous and toll-free number for young people.
112 is the national emergency number for Hungary. 104 is the national number for ambulances and 107 is for police
Blue line (http://www.sos116-123.hu/index.php/segelykeres) - 116-123 is a nationwide 24-hour hotline - sos@sos116-123.hu is an email address to use. Helpline providing emotional support for those who are stressed, distressed, depressed, or suicidal.
Samaritans Mumbai: (samaritansmumbai.com) - +91 8422984528, +91 8422984529, +91 8422984530 - 3 pm to 9 pm, all days. samaritans.helpline@gmail.com. Helpline providing emotional support for those who are stressed, distressed, depressed, or suicidal.
AASRA (http://www.aasra.info/): 91-22-27546669 is a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week nationwide voluntary, professional and confidential services.
110 and 115 are the national emergency numbers for police and ambulances in Iran.[24]
The Iran National Organization of Well-Being, has provided various methods by which the individuals can use the specialists' services free of charge for a variety of problems such as marriage, family, the youth and children, suicide, etc. including online, in person and by phone. [25]
100 and 101 are the national emergency numbers for police and ambulances in Israel.
Eran.org.il Suicide line (https://web.archive.org/web/20110909164614/http://eran.org.il/) operates 24/7 including holidays and can be reached from all regions of Israel by calling 1201 or 972-9 8891333 from abroad. SMS service is given as well during Sunday - Friday between 14:00-18:00 at 076-88444-00.
Servizio per la Prevenzione del Suicidio (SPS) (http://www.prevenireilsuicidio.it/) ) is a suicide prevention helpline whose mission is to give psychological and emotional support to anyone in suicidal crisis or to anyone who lost a dear one for suicide, through a confidential listening from an equipe of doctors, psychologists and volunteers . The helpline is operating from 9.30 am till 4.30 pm, from Monday to Friday, and it can be reached from all regions of Italy.
Samaritans - ONLUS (http://www.samaritansonlus.org) is available every day from 1pm to 10pm by calling 800 86 00 22 or 06 77208977.
Telefono Amico (http://www.telefonoamico.it) provides services everyday from 10am to 12am by calling 199284284.
110 and 119 are the national emergency numbers for police and ambulances in Japan.
TELL (http://telljp.com/lifeline/) provides a free, confidential English-language Lifeline service, plus clinical mental health services, for the international community in Japan.[26]
911 is the national emergency number in Jordan.[27]
110 for Families & Children (https://www.jordanriver.jo/en/programs/protecting-children/110-families-children) The Helpline offers services in psychological support and consultation, as well as referrals. The initiative aims to alleviate the effect of risk factors children in vulnerable families are exposed to, including families facing challenges impairing their parenting, as well as abuse cases.[28]
Vilties Linija: Free and anonymous prevention of suicide and psychological crises for adults by phone. Phone 116 123, 24/7
Vaikų liniją (Childline): Free and anonymous help to the children and teenagers by phone and online. Phone 116 111 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM or chat online here (Mon-Fri, 6PM-9PM)
Jaunimo linija (Youth Line): Free, confidential and anonymous emotional support line for those struggling with daily issues, emotional distress or at risk of suicide. Help is being provided by Phone 8 800 28888 (24/7), email or chat online here (Mon-Sat, 6 PM - 10 PM)
Mauritius Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an emotional support helpline in Mauritius whose mission is to alleviate feelings of despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among members of the community, through confidential listening. The helpline is intended for suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health.
SAPTEL (http://www.saptel.org.mx/index.html) is an independent care provider subsidized by the Mexican red cross. It can be reached at (55) 5259-8121. SAPTEL has been active since 2000. It is totally free and they are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Provides crisis dialogue or treatment for anything related to mental health crisis.
111 is the national emergency number in New Zealand.
1737, need to talk? (http://www.1737.org.nz) is the national mental health and addictions helpline. Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline Aotearoa (http://www.lifeline.org.nz) is a New Zealand organisation providing free 24-hour counseling and phone help lines. It provides support, information and resources to people at risk of suicide, family and friends affected by suicide and people supporting someone with suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal behaviours. Call 09 5222 999 if you live within Auckland or 0800 543 354 for those outside of Auckland.
The Lowdown (https://thelowdown.co.nz) provides assistance in dealing with issues such as relationships, anxiety, and depression and are available by e-mail or texting 5626.
112 and 113 is the national emergency numbers for police and ambulances in Norway
Mental HelseMental Helse (Mental Health). Can be reached at 116 123 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mental Helse does also provide an online mail service at http://sidetmedord.no where users can write messages anonymously and get answers within 48-hours. A chat-service is also provided. It is open Mondays from 19.00 - 22.00 and Wednesdays: from 19.00 - 22.00. The chat-services may not always be open in July and on public celebration days or Sundays.
Kirkens SOSKirkens SOS(The Church SOS). Can be reached at 22 40 00 40 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The line is free to call and confidential. Kirkens SOS does also provide an anonymous message service(which replies within 24-hours) 27 hours a day, 7 days a week and a chat open 7 days a week at 18.30 - 22.30.
The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (http://www.ngf-hope.org/contact-us/) provides 24/7 assistance to those who call (02) 8804-HOPE (4673) or 0917 558 HOPE (4673)
Olsztynski Telefon Zaufania 'Anonimowy Przyjaciel (http://telefonzaufania.org/) provides 24/7 assistance as it's the only unit of this type in Poland. They can be reached by calling 89 19288 or 89 527 00 00.
Voz de Apoio (http://www.vozdeapoio.pt) is anonymous and confidential. You can speak to them by calling 225 50 60 70 or through Skype, face-to-face, or writing.
Sos Voz Amiga (http://www.sosvozamiga.org) is available daily from 4pm to 12am by calling 213 544 545, 912 802 669, or 963 524 660. Free Green Line callers can call 800 209 899 from 9pm to 12am.
Sos Estudante (http://sosestudante.pt) provides anonymous, confidential support every day from 8pm to 1am by calling 915 246 060, 969 554 545, 239 484 020 as well as through Skype.
Alianţa Română de Prevenţie a Suicidului (http://www.antisuicid.com/) is a Romanian support helpline whose mission is to give psychological and emotional support to those that find themselves in depression, those who are in a psychological crisis and those who are suicidal. Help is offered by psychologists and volunteers from Psychology Universities.
TelVerde antidepresie: 0800 0800 20. A toll-free anti-depression hotline which is available 24/7.
999 and 995 are the national emergency numbers for the police and ambulances in Singapore.
The Samaritans of Singapore (https://sos.org.sg/) is the only 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline in Singapore, for anyone having difficulty coping during a crisis, who are thinking of suicide or affected by suicide."[30]
The Singapore Association of Mental Health (http://www.samhealth.org.sg/) is a voluntary welfare organisation that provides a toll-free counselling helpline for those with emotional crisis or mental health conditions."[30] 3
IPčko.sk (www.ipcko.sk) - Suicide prevention and psychological help (mainly for youth), providing online chat counseling service from 7am to midnight. IPčko also provides email counseling 24/7 on ipcko@ipcko.sk.
Zaupni telefon Samarijan in Sopotnik (http://www.telefon-samarijan.si/) is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The purpose of the organisation is to be available for a conversation to anyone suffering from distress. The confidential phone call hotline is carried out in accordance with the fundamental principles of the international organisation IFOTES. Qualified volunteers can be reached on the toll-free telephone number 116 123.
TOM – telefon za otroke in mladostnike (http://www.e-tom.si) is available 7-days a week from 13:00 - 20:00 and is primarily meant for children and adolescents in distress. The telephone functions within the Association of Friends of Youth of Slovenia (ZPMS). It serves the purpose of providing emotional support for children and young people who face various questions, dilemmas or distress during the process of growing up. Advisers are available to callers needing to share their problems or are seeking advice and additional information on the toll-free telephone number 116 111.
Klic v duševni stiski (http://www.psih-klinika.si/koristne-informacije/klic-v-dusevni-stiski/) is available 7-days a week 19:00 - 7:00. Counsellors of the hotline are trained to work with people and especially trained to talk with people who are having suicidal thoughts. However, you can call for help regardless of the cause of your distress. They are available on the telephone number (01) 520-99-00.
Ženska svetovalnica – krizni center (http://www.drustvo-zenska-svetovalnica.si/o-nas) is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. It is a voluntary women's organisation that works in the field of psycho-social assistance and the self-help of women who are victims of violence. They offer free counseling, information on public service competencies and assistance in organizing self-help groups to women in need. They are available on the telephone number +386 31 233 211.
10111 and 10177 are the national emergency numbers for the police and ambulances in South Africa.
The Triangle project (https://triangle.org.za/about/) provides a helpline where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people can talk to a trained professional. The professional will ensure the callers privacy and can also refer the caller to other support networks. It can be reached at (021) 712 6699 daily from 13:00 to 21:00. The counselor will then call you back.
Teléfono de la Esperanza (http://www.telefonodelaesperanza.org) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing callers to discuss a range of challenges from trauma and suicide to relationship issues.They can be reached by calling 717 003 717.
Självmordslinjen (Suicide prevention hotline) (https://mind.se/sjalvmordslinjen/) is a registered Non-profit organisation[34] that has worked with mental health since 1931.[34] The organisation provides a 24-hour email, chat and hotline service, all of which are toll-free.[35]
BRIS - Barnens rätt i samhället (Children's right in society) (https://www.bris.se/) is a children's right organisation. they offer toll-free and anonymous support for all children and young adults up to the age of 18 through phone and chat every day of the year 14:00 - 21:00. BRIS can be reached at 116 111 but also offers contact to curators through email and contact with other youth through their online forum.[38]
999 and 112 is the national emergency number in the United Kingdom
111, Option 2, is the National Health Services' First Response Service for mental health crises and support. This is not available in all areas of the country yet.
Shout (https://www.giveusashout.org/) is the UK's first free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It is a place to go for those struggling to cope and in need of immediate help. Shout is an affiliate of the 'Crisis Text Line' in the U.S., but this is the first time the tried and tested technology has come to the UK.
911 is the national emergency number in the United States.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.[42][43] It provides Spanish-speaking counselors, as well as options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. It is only available in the United States.[44] A 24-hour an Online Chat in partnership with Contact USA[45] is also available.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, and in 2019, the use of 988 was approved.[46][47].
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (ESP) can be reached at 1-888-628-9454
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Deaf & Hard of Hearing Options) can be reached at 1-800-799-4889
The Veterans Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/) is a 24-hour, toll-free hotline that provides phone, webchat, and text options available to military veterans and their families. It provides options for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, followed by Pressing 1.
IMAlive Crisis Chatine (www.imalive.org) is a non-profit, worldwide 24/7, anonymous chatline to help anyone in crisis via instant messaging.
The Trevor Project (http://www.thetrevorproject.org/) is a nationwide organization that provides a 24-hour phone hotline, as well as limited-hour webchat and text options, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.[49]
TrevorText can be reached by texting TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200 (available M-F from 3PM to 10PM ET).
The Trans Lifeline (https://www.translifeline.org/) is a nonprofit organization that is created by and for the transgender community, providing crisis intervention hotlines, staffed by transgender individuals, available in the United States and Canada.
^King, R; Nurcombe, B; Bickman, L; Hides, L; et al. (Winter 2003). "Telephone counselling for adolescent suicide prevention: changes in suicidality and mental state from beginning to end of a counselling session". Suicide Life Threat Behav. 33 (4): 400–11. doi:10.1521/suli.33.4.400.25235. PMID14695055.