***TRIGGER WARNING*** The following blog contains references to suicide and gun violence. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. For countries outside the U.S., visit findahelpline.com to find your local crisis line.

Crisis helplines provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text your local helpline 24/7 (988 in the U.S.; findahelpline.com for other countries). If you’ve never called or texted a crisis helpline before, it can be a little intimidating. What can you expect when you contact a crisis helpline?