60 Depression Hotlines Anyone Can Call

Whether it is you struggling with depression or someone you know, it is not an easy thing to cope with. Depression hotlines are a great resource when you or someone you know is struggling to manage their symptoms and needs more support.

I wanted to write this post to help you make that connection and be able to work through this challenge. In this post, you will find information on what to expect from these hotlines and a list of hotline options so that you can choose what will work best for you.

Should I Call a Depression Hotline?

If you are unsure whether you should call a depression hotline or not, there are a few things to consider such as how emergent the situation is and the potential for things to get worse. You should call a depression hotline if:

Your symptoms are severe
Your support system is not available
Your coping skills are not working
You need unbiased feedback
You are concerned about someone else and need information on how to handle the situation

If you or someone you know is in any of these situations it is highly encouraged that you call one of these hotlines.

Benefits Of Calling

Depression hotlines are a great tool because they are free, anonymous, and almost always confidential. They can provide support, an unbiased opinion, and help you to refocus on your coping skills. Some other benefits include:

They can provide information about depression and answer any of the questions you might have.
They can help you connect with other resources such as treatment centers and other health professionals.
They can help evaluate if it is an emergency situation and send a crisis team to your house if needed.

This list is far from exhaustive but if you think that you may need any of these things, make the call.

Questions To Ask

When you are on the phone or texting with a depression hotline representative this is a great opportunity to ask questions and get informed. You can learn more about what you are dealing with and how to help others who may be struggling in similar areas.

Questions To Ask If You Are Struggling With Depression

It is often helpful to come prepared with some questions when you make the call. Some you may want to consider include:

How do I know if I am struggling with depression? What are some common symptoms?
How long do people usually deal with depression?
What kinds of treatments are available? What should I expect?
How do I afford treatment? Can insurance pay for it? If not, are there low-cost options available to me?

It may also be helpful to write down some of the things you want to ask or say so that you can get all the answers you need.

Questions To Ask If Someone You Know Is Struggling with Depression

Depression hotlines are also available for people who know someone who is struggling. If you are concerned about someone you know you may want to ask:

What should I look for to know if someone is struggling with depression?
Should I confront them on it if I think they are struggling or deal with it another way?
How do I support someone who is struggling with depression?
What should I do if I think they will hurt themselves or someone else?

Again, it may be helpful to take a few minutes to jot down some of your questions or thoughts so that you can get all the help you need.

Questions A Depression Hotline Representative Might Ask You

It is always good to be prepared, prepared to ask your questions, but also ready to answer some of the questions they may have for you. These may include: