The Samaritans: (877) 870-4673 (HOPE)

You can call or text the Samaritans at any time: (877) 870-4673 (HOPE)

The Samaritans, a non-profit organization, offer emotional support to anyone who calls feeling lonely, depressed, suicidal, or just are looking for someone to talk to. Whatever the reason, you will get a trained volunteer who offers non-judgmental support. If you’re concerned about someone you care about in your life, they can also help with advice and resources.

Depression hotlines can help you — right now.

Please call if you’re feeling hopeless.

Youth Hotlines

The above crisis hotline is available for both adults and youths. If you’re looking for a youth-specific line, you can try one of the following:

Online Hotline Services

Some people feel uncomfortable talking on a telephone for help — and that’s perfectly okay. Depression hotline numbers are not for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can try one of these free crisis chat services online or by texting on your phone instead:

The important thing is this: No matter what method you choose to reach out to get help, please, reach out to someone right now for help. Nobody will judge you. All of these services are there only to help you get through this trying, overwhelming time. You can do this.

Why Call a Helpline?

People call helplines for a variety of reasons, but most often reach out to them when feeling overwhelmed, in crisis, or at risk of doing something they may later regret (such as a suicide attempt). Talking to someone at a depression hotline can help. It can help relieve the overwhelming feeling of being stressed out and without options.

People call hotlines for any number of reasons:

Talk to someone who cares about what you have to say.

Learn more about what they’re experiencing and what kind of help may be available to them.

Have someone listen to them in the depths of their depression, when they may be embarrassed sharing what they’re feeling with someone else.

Get advice about what to do next, in a confidential and caring manner.

Get a referral for treatment with a therapist or psychiatrist.

Get help for a loved one who is experiencing a major depressive disorder.

Remember, there is no judgment when it comes to reaching out for help. No one will think less of you. You will find only caring, compassionate individuals who want to help.

Learn More About Depression

Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression or just plain depression, isn’t just feeling sad after a relationship breakup or the loss of a loved one. Instead, it’s a serious mental illness that encompasses an overwhelming feeling of sadness and emptiness. Many people also feel lonely, helpless, worthless, and guilty. People with depression experience problems with sleep and eating, and complain of lacking the energy or motivation to do almost anything they normally do in their lives (such as going to work, school, or engaging in activities at home).

Even simple things like getting out of bed each morning can be an epic challenge for people suffering from clinical depression. Things that used to bring a person enjoyment — such as hobbies, sports, hanging out with friends — no longer do so. Concentration, thinking, and making decisions all become extremely difficult for someone with depression. Some people with this condition have thoughts of death and suicide.

Adults, teens, and children can all experience depression. It doesn’t discriminate based upon race, gender, religion, or ethnic background.

You can learn more about depression here:

References American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association. National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Depression. Retrieved online at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Depression Hotline Numbers