Woof, woof! Asking for help and being the help can both be difficult. It’s great that you are seeking out available support for your friend. The 988 Lifeline is a valuable free resource available 24/7, 365 days a year for when you are concerned about someone else, are personally in crisis, or just in need of someone to listen without judgement.
If you call or text 988 from an Alaska registered phone line, you will reach The Alaska Careline – 988’s regional call center manned by residents of Alaska to support fellow Alaskans. You can also reach the Careline with their regional toll-free number (877) 266-4357. The Careline is for everyone, including young people, and provides a safe space to talk.
When you contact the Careline, you’ll be connected to a counselor who will listen, and work to understand the problem. The Careline staff can help you brainstorm ways you might want to approach a conversation with your friend and how to provide continued support as they are struggling. During the call, you don’t have to say where you’re from, share your name, or provide any personal details unless you want to. Confidentiality is key, but there is one exception: if someone is in immediate danger, the Careline may contact emergency responders as a last resort.
Your friend can call the Careline directly as well or you can phone together. Calling the Careline is not the same as therapy. But, talking about distress, challenging thoughts or life situations can be a relief and incredibly helpful. Careline staff are trained to help callers discover their own solutions. While on the call, the counselor can share with your friend local resources and services that can offer further support along the way. The counselor may check in later to see how things are going, and will always ask if your friend feels safe.
Some people call once, some call regularly. There are no rules, no time limits, no expectations. You and your friend can even call just to see what it’s like! Give it a try. The Careline has over 30 trained staff from all walks of life. No judgment, no cost, just a compassionate person on the other end of the line.
Remember there are many resources and people ready to support you and your friend through tough times!
Many tail wags to you,