Do You Know Someone Who Needs Help?

Call 988

Tap to call

Call 988

Tap to call

Learn More

TEXT 988

Tap to text

TEXT 988

Tap to text

Learn More

CHAT NOW

Tap to chat

Learn More

Help Your Loved One

If a friend, family member, or loved one in your life is going through a painful time and needs someone to talk to, you can contact the 988 Lifeline to get them the assistance they need.

If your friend, family member, or loved one is currently in crisis, call 988 to get immediate help.

Operated by Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC), the 988 Lifeline is a FREE and confidential service designed to assist people in crisis. Often, our biggest allies are people like you, who want to help a loved one overcome their distress, regain hope, and get back on the path to a happier life.

We’re available to talk to you about anything, including the common warning signs of crisis, tips on getting your loved ones to seek help, and local resources and organizations that can provide a longer-term solution.

There are three ways to contact us for information and to talk. Don’t hesitate. Call or text 988. Click to chat.

Call 988

Speak directly to one of our caring and compassionate team members who are there for you during life’s struggles.

Text 988

Send a text from your phone to start a real-time conversation with a live person standing by to assist you.

Chat Now

Connect online with a real person who wants to hear your story and provide support. 

Our Mission

MHAGC & The South Carolina 988 Lifeline

Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC) is a South Carolina-based non-profit organization on a mission to positively impact mental health through advocacy, awareness, and service.

As part of our mission, MHAGC operates the 988 Lifeline Call Center in Greenville, SC. MHAGC began its CRISISline in 1990 and became a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in 2007.

What Your Loved One Can Expect When They Contact The 988 Lifeline

If they call 988, they will hear a brief automated greeting, and then they will hear a little music playing while we connect them to a skilled, trained crisis counselor. If they text or chat 988, they will be asked to complete a short survey to tell the crisis counselor about their situation, and then the counselor will reply to their message.

Once they are connected, the counselor will listen to them, work to understand what they are experiencing, provide support, collaborate with them on ways to feel better, and connect them with any needed help or resources.

Whatever they need, it’s important they know that they have a lifeline. Make sure your loved one know it’s never too late to call 988.

Free & Confidential Support

We provide free and confidential assistance to people in crisis—for any reason, at any time—24 hours a day. Our trained crisis counselors offer non-judgmental support and comfort to anyone struggling.

Highly Trained Staff

Crisis workers receive extensive training that is certified by the American Association of Suicidology. Our diverse team focuses on engagement and empowerment to support your loved one.

A Safe Space

SC 988 Lifeline is a safe place to talk about suicide. Your loved one’s safety is important to us. Together we will work through suicidal thoughts, collaborate on a plan to keep them safe, and provide resources.

Resources

Once the emergency situation passes, we can continue to help them by recommending individualized care programs and resources to improve their health and get their life back on track.

Tips For Concerned Loved Ones Of People In Crisis

Nothing is harder than watching someone you love struggle with issues they can’t solve by themselves. If you’re determined to help your loved one, then the SC 988 Lifeline is your ally. We are always here to talk to you or your loved one, and offer support, comfort, and compassion.  The following tips can help you communicate with your loved one in crisis and convince them to seek help.

^

Comfortable Space

Talk to your loved one in a comfortable space with minimal interruptions or distractions.

^

Listen

Offer to listen, be responsive, and speak in a relaxed, calm voice.

^

Let Them Lead

Gently encourage them to open up and let them lead the pace and direction of the conversation.
^

Know Their Feelings

Be respectful, compassionate, and empathetic to their feelings.
^

Don't Push Too Hard

Give them the opportunity to talk about whatever’s on their mind, but don’t push too hard if they seem reluctant.
^

Be Honest

Express your genuine concern. Be honest and direct.

^

Give Feedback

Share your feelings and look for common ground.
^

Do Not Blame

Avoid patronizing them or blaming them for their situation.
^

Humor Isn't Always Helpful

Be careful using humor or making light of the situation to ease their anxiety.
^

Help Them Call 988

If your loved one seems open to seeking more help, help them call or contact the SC 988 Lifeline to talk to a trained professional willing to listen.

^

You Call 988 In A Crisis

If you sense your loved one is about to harm themselves or someone else, don’t wait; call, text, or chat 988 immediately for crisis assistance.

Resources For Your Loved Ones

Visit our Resources page to discover other local mental health resources that may be able to help you or your loved one.

Frequently-Asked Questions

View our FAQ page for more information.

What can I do to help my loved one?

Try talking to them in a calm, non-judgmental way, be supportive and encourage them to seek professional help, and check in with them often to make sure things are not getting worse. 

How do I comfort someone in crisis?

It is important to listen openly, express understanding and concern, and offer to help them look for resources and/or professional help. If you fear your loved one may hurt themselves or someone else, then call, text, or chat 988 immediately for help.

What are the signs of suicidal behavior?

Common warning signs include talking about wanting to die or killing themselves; expressing feelings of hopelessness, being trapped, or being a burden to others; increased use of alcohol or drugs; changes in eating and sleeping patterns; isolating themselves from others; and extreme mood swings.