Summer has been doing its best to stick around, but colder, shorter days are coming. Fewer daylight hours can affect our energy and mood. And the upcoming holiday season draws mixed emotions. For some, it’s a very joyful time. While for others, it can cause stress, feelings of loneliness and remind us of those who aren’t here to celebrate with us.
If you or someone you care about tends to struggle in these final months of the year, I want to remind you that you don’t have to navigate this season alone. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is always available when you need support. Trained counselors are ready to listen any time, day or night. And you don’t have to be in crisis to call. Sometimes, just having someone to listen without judgment is enough to help you feel seen, supported and not alone.
I also find myself thinking a lot about how this time of year can affect our young people. Growing up today isn’t easy. There’s a lot of pressure — from school, friends, social media, and the world around them. And for some, that weight can start to feel like too much. That’s why it’s so important that they know help is out there. With the 988 Lifeline, they don’t have to talk on the phone if that’s not comfortable for them. They can text or chat online at 988lifeline.org with someone who’s ready to listen and help.
If you have a teen or young adult in your life, take a moment to share the 988 Lifeline with them. Encourage them to save the number in their phone or bookmark the website. Let them know it’s okay to reach out for themselves or for a friend. Young people may not always tell the adults in their life the full story of what they’re dealing with. But the 988 Lifeline gives them one more place where they can turn for support.