If someone is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number first. In the United States that is 911. WayForward mentors are coaches. They cannot respond to emergencies, and messages here are not watched around the clock.
In the United States
- Thoughts of suicide, or any emotional crisis: call or text 988, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is open 24 hours a day, every day.
- Prefer to text: text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
- Abuse or violence at home: call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. If you are not safe to talk, they also chat online at thehotline.org.
- A child is being hurt: call the Childhelp hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
- Drugs or alcohol: call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, free and open every day.
Outside the United States
Call your local emergency number first if someone is in danger. To find a crisis line in your country, use findahelpline.com, which lists free, confidential lines worldwide. The International Association for Suicide Prevention also keeps a directory at iasp.info.
If you are worried about someone else
Stay with them if you can and it is safe. Call the emergency number or the lines above for guidance. Do not leave someone alone who may hurt themselves.
WayForward and your mentor
Mentoring here is coaching and guidance. It is not therapy, medical care or emergency help. Once you are safe, tell your mentor if you want help finding a licensed counselor or therapist. You can also reach the WayForward team from the Contact page.