One of Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis’ (MHAGI) primary programs is the Crisis & Suicide Intervention Service. The 24-hour hotline serves people who are contemplating suicide, are in mental distress, or are concerned about substance abuse, relationships, stress, depression or other issues. The Crisis Line received approximately 5,300 calls in 2011. Just 27 percent of the callers were under age 25. Their goal in 2012 is to increase the reach to the adolescent population.
Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents.
Cell-phone texting has become the preferred method of basic communication between teens and their friends.
- Some 75 percent of 12-17 year-olds now own cell phones, up from 45 percent in 2004.
- 88 percent of teen cell phone users — are text-messagers
MHAGI recently launched a Short-Message-Service (SMS), or Texting feature to the Crisis Line. This text line is the 13th line in the country to offer crisis intervention via text messaging. The technology is provided through PPTMS (Prevention Pays Text Message Services). PPTMS software is specifically designed for public health agencies and is endorsed by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The text line uses the same communication procedures, policies and goals that have made telephone crisis support successful over the years. “This is a much-needed resource for today’s teens. Texting is how they communicate and this service will allow them to reach out for confidential help,” says Gina Hays, CEO of MHAGI.
People can text CSIS to 839863 and trained volunteers and staff respond to text communications using a secure, web-based application and standard computer workstations. Although the primary target audience is teens and young adults, individuals of any age who are experiencing a mental health crisis are encouraged to contact the Crisis Line by phone or text for assistance.
Hours for the text line are:
Wednesday: 6 pm – Midnight.
Friday – Sunday: 9 pm – Midnight. OR call 317.251.7575 24 hours a day.
