How the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline helps those in need

This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. To reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Helpline, text 4HOPE to 741741.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A central Ohio woman is crediting the state's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with saving her life.

Just last month, Senseera Potter said she was at rock bottom. She was homeless, struggling with addiction, and trying to cope with several mental health conditions. Potter felt like she had no one she could turn to, until she called 988. She said it was exactly what she needed to give her some hope.

"At that time, it was either live or die," Potter said. "They were my umbilical cord to life."

Pru Hudson is a clinician with Netcare Access, a mental health clinic in Franklin County. She answers the 988 lifeline.

"Nobody should go without having mental health resources or access to it," Hudson said. 

Across central Ohio, people are seeking care in record numbers for mental health concerns. 

"I don't think anybody could have guessed how much it would grow, but it's grown really fast," Hudson said.

Between January and June of 2023, compared to that same time period this year, Netcare Access has seen a 66% increase in call volume to the line. 

"The stigma has been so dark for so long. With 988, so many professionals are bringing it up in conversations," Hudson said. "Do you go to bed at night and feel like you don't want to wake up? OK. This is a place you can call and say 'I can't get out of bed anymore. I haven't eaten in two days. I don't even care anymore.'"

"I'm not afraid to say I have a mental health condition," Potter said. "I'm not afraid to say that depression almost took my life by my own being because I didn't feel like I had anywhere to reach out to."

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Potter said she hopes her story can inspire even just one person that's struggling to take that leap of faith. 

"Don't be afraid to call out if you need help," Potter said. "Don't be ashamed. I was, I'm still here."

Even if you're not the one struggling, you can call 988 on someone else's behalf. The 988 lifeline has been in place for over two years. Since it's launch, Ohio's call centers have responded to nearly 340,000 calls, texts, and chats. That's an average of more than 14,000 a month.