“Sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy.”
―Susanna Kaysen, Girl, Interrupted
By Alex P. Vidal
IF I wasn’t invited to attend the In-Person Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at the PSS Home Care in Whitestone, New York City on August 24, I wouldn’t know what 988 is all about, or why and when to call it. I beg your pardon.
Now that we are celebrating the Suicide Prevention Month, it’s imperative that we understand why there’s a need to remember 988; why the three numbers may play a key role even after September.
What’s the difference between 911 or 988, in the first place?
What we know is in the US and Canada, 911 is the primary emergency telephone number for police, fire, and medical assistance; we call 911 for immediate physical danger.
On the other hand, we call or text 988 for mental health, emotional distress, or substance use crises.
Real-time global estimates put the number of suicides at over 480,000 to 720,000+ for the year, though exact official national totals for 2026 are not yet finalized, according to Worldmeter, which tracks an estimated real-time running total exceeding 718,000 global suicides for the year based on World Health Organization (WHO) models.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that annual U.S. suicides historically average around 48,000 to 49,000 deaths per year but finalized complete data for the current year takes many months to process and verify.
Data show 5.5 percent of U.S. adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year, while 93,452 people were connected with the NAMI HelpLine in 2025. There were 3 in 4 people who contacted 988 report received the help they needed.
If we or someone we know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (in the US and Canada), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
NAMI recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time each September.
Its goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide prevention, recognize warning signs, and seek help.
NAMI emphasize that reaching out for support can be the start of a new journey forward.
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“Whether you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or supporting a loved one, there is help available. Take time today to explore help options, learn about contributing risks to suicide, download resources, and more,” NAMI stated in its website.
It was Jeanne Cacciatore, program director of Family and Children’s Association (FCA) Senior MH Awareness Training Program, Elder Abuse EMDT and Safe Observant Senior Program (SOS), who explained to MHFA participants that a skilled counselor will say hello, introduce themselves, and ask if we are safe when we are connected to 988.
They ask about our safety, and will be calm and comforting, listen to us, provide support, and may also share helpful resources.
According to NAMI, suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame.
“At NAMI, we believe that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to change that. This September, you can be the difference,” explained NAMI.
“With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen—can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.”
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)
