Calling 988 vs 911 in a Mental Health Crisis: What You Need to Know 何时拨打988，或者911？

心理健康危机是一个需要立即关注的时敏问题。但当你或你认识的人经历这样的情况时，你应该拨打哪个号码：988还是911？知道拨打正确的号码在如何处理情况方面可能会有关键性的影响，甚至可以挽救生命。

A mental health crisis is a time-sensitive situation that requires immediate attention. But when you or someone you know is experiencing one, which number should you dial: 988 or 911? Knowing the right number to call can make a crucial difference in how the situation is handled and can even save lives. This article aims to shed light on the distinctions between the two and guide you on making the right choice.

The Basics: What Are 988 and 911?

• 911: This is the general emergency number in the United States for all kinds of crises—medical, fire, police, and yes, even mental health.
• 988: This is a relatively new number specifically designed for mental health emergencies. It's intended to connect individuals to appropriate mental health services rather than routing them through the general emergency system.

When to Call 911

• Immediate Danger: If there's a risk of immediate harm to oneself or others.
• Co-Occurring Medical Emergency: In cases where mental health symptoms are accompanied by a medical emergency.
• Law Enforcement Needs: Situations that require immediate intervention by the police, such as violent behavior.

When to Call 988

• Mental Health Support: When you or someone you know needs emotional support or crisis counseling.
• Resource Information: To get information about mental health resources and services.
• De-escalation: Trained professionals can help defuse the situation over the phone.

Pros and Cons

• 911
• Pros: Immediate response, can handle a broad range of emergencies.
• Cons: May result in law enforcement intervention, which isn't always the best solution for mental health crises.
• 988
• Pros: Specialized care, minimizes stigma around mental health.
• Cons: May not be fully operational everywhere, and may not handle accompanying medical emergencies.
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Data and Facts

• According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), police are often the first to respond to mental health crises, but they may not always be trained to handle such situations.
• A study published in the Journal of Mental Health found that specialized crisis lines like 988 can reduce the need for emergency room visits by up to 40%.

Knowing when to call 988 or 911 during a mental health crisis is crucial. While both numbers serve important functions, understanding their respective roles can ensure that you or your loved one receives the most appropriate help. In general, for situations that are exclusively mental health-related and not life-threatening, 988 is the preferable option. For emergencies that are immediate and potentially life-threatening, 911 remains the go-to number.

More Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America (MHA)