A note to our listeners. This episode contains discussions of suicide.

Let's put it at the top of the show this week.

The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached in the U.S. and Canada by calling or texting 988.

It's free. It's available 24-7.

And let's talk about that. It's depression mode. I'm John Moe. I'm glad you're here.

See, I usually read that at the end of our show and the closing credits.

Have since 988 became a thing three years ago.

Before that, on this show and my old show, I would read out the full-length phone number that preceded 988.

It just seems like a responsible thing to do on a mental health show to provide a potential literal lifeline to people.

A lot of folks who listen to this show have interesting brains, after all, and could,

like anybody, find themselves in crisis or in urgent need of an understanding voice.

I want to make sure you get that, because like I say, I'm glad you're here.

I wish for you to remain here.

988 is important for mental health, for society, for human beings. It's literally a life or death proposition for lots of people every day. But now that 988 has been around for a few years,

it's a good idea to check in on how it's going.

Pop the hood, give it a checkup, see how the machine is running.

Especially because it's been in the news lately, with reports of a possible drastic cut that would eliminate one of its key services.

And because 988 is being talked about on social media in a way that may not be

accurate, might need a fact check. Let's get the scoop on 988 with Hannah Wieselowski. She's the

chief advocacy officer for government relations, policy, and advocacy at NAMI, the National

Alliance on Mental Illness.

Hannah Wazzalowski, welcome to Depression Mode.

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