It’s no secret that in this day and age, mental health problems are one of the most pressing issues affecting countless individuals. However, the stigma surrounding seeking help and the lack of means to reach out in times of crisis has made the situation worse. Now, in an effort to address this issue, Google is collaborating with the International Association for Suicide Prevention to introduce pre-written text messages that facilitate difficult conversations during moments of emotional distress.
Breaking the Stigma
These message templates will appear below the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Google search, and users can access them with just a swipe on their phones. After choosing a message, which ranges from “I’m struggling right now and just need to talk to someone — can we chat?” to more urgent requests such as, “When you get a chance, can you contact me? I feel alone and suicidal and could use some urgent help,” users can tap the “Send a text” prompt, which will open their messaging app. This allows them to share their feelings and well-being with someone they trust without the need to gather the courage to write it themselves.
“When someone is in a vulnerable situation, it can be difficult to put this experience into words and know what to say to ask for help. These pre-written prompts, developed in partnership with the expertise of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, reduce the stigma of reaching out to ask for help, which is shown to help people get support in moments of crisis,” said Megan Jones Bell, director of consumer and mental health at Google.
While the new message template feature may seem like an outreach to some people, it is essential to recognize its potential impact on individuals struggling with severe depression. For them, the simple task of talking to someone can be daunting, let alone sharing their struggles and difficulties.
Reaching Out for Help
If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, it is crucial to reach out for help. There are several helpline and support services available, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860, and the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. You can also text “START” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. For additional support, contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, or email [email protected]. Additionally, international resources are also available for people outside the United States.