Hi. You do not have to be thinking about hurting yourself this exact second to contact one of these services. You do not have to know why you feel bad, have the right words, or wait until things become an emergency. Sometimes you just need to say “hi,” hear another person, and keep a bad night from becoming a worse one. That is a real reason to reach out.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number now. Otherwise, try one of the support options below. They are not only for people at the absolute edge; they are there to talk before you get there too.
United States
- Try these first: call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line. Both are free and available 24/7. You can start with “I feel bad and I don’t know why,” “I’m not in immediate danger but I need someone to talk to,” or just “hi.”
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988. Trained counselors answer; you do not need to wait until you are about to hurt yourself.
- Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741. Use this if typing feels easier than talking.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline — confidential support, safety planning, and information for people experiencing relationship abuse. It is not an emergency service. Use the organization’s current contact options rather than relying on an old number copied elsewhere.
- Trans Lifeline — peer support staffed by trans people, for trans people. Voice line: 877-565-8860.
If you do not know which one fits, start with 988 or HOME. You can write, “I’m having a bad night and I don’t know what I need.” If the problem is a partner making you afraid, try The Hotline. If you want to talk with another trans person, try Trans Lifeline. You are allowed to start in the wrong place; ask them where to go next.
Outside the United States
These services are US-focused. Outside the US, try Befrienders Worldwide or Find A Helpline to find a local line. Check the listed service’s own page for the current contact method. You can say, “I’m feeling bad and want someone to talk to,” even if you are not in immediate danger. If there is immediate danger, use your local emergency number.
If opening a directory feels like too much, type your country and copy-paste: “I’m having a bad night. I’m not sure what I need, but I want to talk to someone.” You can let the responder ask the next question.
Use the words
You can start with one sentence
The responder can ask the next question.
I am having a bad night.
I do not know what I need, but I want to talk to someone.
I am not in immediate danger, but I need someone to talk to.
Hi.
How to use these
You can call from a bathroom, sit silently for a minute, or send the same sentence three times because you cannot find better words. “I’m not sure why I’m calling” is enough. You do not need a reason good enough or a fully explained story.
A note on currency
Phone lines and hours change. Before relying on any number above, confirm it on the organization’s own website — the links go directly to each organization so you can verify at the source.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, use your local emergency number.