Depression Hotlines

National and local depression hotlines are available to provide resources that can help you through your depression and lay the groundwork for a brighter future.

Symptoms of depression can pop up at the most inconvenient times. When your friends are asleep, your therapist is out of the office or your significant other is at work, it can be hard to know where to turn.

Even if you have never considered it, a depression hotline could be a useful resource. Available 24 hours a day, seven days per week, depression helplines are a useful tool for your coping skill toolbox.

When Should You Call a Depression Hotline?

Calling a depression hotline is not an appropriate fit for every situation, so you’ll need to know when and when not to call. Good times to call a depression hotline include:

• When your symptoms are severe
• When your other supports are unavailable
• When you need feedback from an unbiased person
• When your other coping skills don’t seem to be helping

If you are having a mental health crisis, calling a depression hotline could offer the assistance and guidance you need.

Related Topic: Getting Support for Addiction & Mental Health with Teletherapy

What Kinds of Questions Will You Be Asked?

Each call to a depression helpline will differ depending on who answers the phone and what symptoms you experience. One constant will be the questions asked by the person on the other end of the phone, which may include any of the following:

• What’s going on?
• How are you feeling?
• Are you safe?
• Are you thinking about hurting yourself or someone else?
• What do you need?

Some questions may seem odd or unimportant, but the helpline operator needs honest answers to gather information about your situation. Being open and thorough in your answers increases your chances of receiving the most helpful aid possible.

Benefits of Calling a Depression Hotline

One call to a depression hotline could offer several benefits by:

• Giving you an opportunity to talk about your symptoms
• Providing support
• Allowing you to focus on healthy coping skills
• Helping you access resources available in your community
• Making it easier to schedule appointments with mental health professionals
• Evaluating if emergency services are needed
• Sending a crisis team to your house if necessary

Are Depression Hotlines Free?

Another benefit of depression hotlines is that they are free. Most hotlines receive some source of outside funding to provide these services without any cost to you. However, be sure not to confuse depression hotlines with online therapy options that charge a weekly or monthly fee to speak with a professional.

Is My Call Confidential?

Most depression helplines protect your privacy. Helpline operators will not have access to your address or even your name unless you want them to. You will almost always remain anonymous.

The only time a hotline may break your confidentiality is to protect you or someone you know against the threat of suicide or violence. In these situations, the other person may contact law enforcement to maintain safety.

National Depression Hotlines

There are a variety of depression hotline numbers available to anyone across the country who is in need. Examples include:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Samaritans: 1-877-870-4673
• National Hopeline Network: 1-800-442-4673
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

Local Depression Hotlines

National hotlines offer tremendous services, but sometimes you might feel better understood by a depression hotline staffed by locals. Fortunately, all states and many counties have crisis hotlines to assess and address your needs:

If you still need more help addressing your depression linked to a problem with substance use, consider teletherapy or contact The Recovery Village to learn about treatment options for co-occurring disorders.

If you’re looking for healthy ways to manage depression, the Nobu app can help. It is free and for anyone that is looking to reduce anxiety, work through depression, build self-esteem, get aftercare following treatment, attend teletherapy sessions and so much more. Download the Nobu app today!

Editor – Megan Hull

Megan Hull is a content specialist who edits, writes and ideates content to help people find recovery. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Eric Patterson, LPC

Eric Patterson is a licensed professional counselor in the Pittsburgh area who is dedicated to helping children, adults, and families meet their treatment goals. Read more