Making a difference in someone’s life this holiday season is easier than you think. There are countless ways to give back, especially with Giving Tuesday just around the corner! If you’re passionate about suicide prevention and mental health awarness, explore Crisis Text Line’s mission to build a more empathetic future. Learn how you can contribute on Giving Tuesday and continue making an impact year-round. 

What is Giving Tuesday?

Mark your calendars as Giving Tuesday is almost here – Tuesday, December 3rd to be exact. What exactly is Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Many people choose this day to donate money towards a non-profit organization that resonates with them to show support as we near the holiday season. You can support suicide prevention and mental health awareness by donating your dollar, time, or empathy to Crisis Text Line on Giving Tuesday and beyond. 

Why do people care so much about preventing suicide?

Many people can feel passionate about preventing suicide based on their personal experience or because they’re aware that while suicide is a leading cause of death, it is also 100% preventable. Whatever the reason may be, understanding that suicide is preventable can encourage people to want to learn more and spread knowledge to overcome stigmas around suicide.

If someone you know is feeling heavy emotions, here are some tips for starting a conversation:

• Actively listen. The most important thing you can do is let the person know that you are available to listen and hear about what is going on in their life without judgment.
• Ask how you can help. Give the power back to the person that’s struggling. Ask how you can be helpful, whether it’s sitting with them when they’re lonely or helping them choose a doctor. Reassure them that you’re okay with helping in any way, and they aren’t a burden.
• Keep it casual. Follow our Always Ask steps to guide you through the conversation. Invite them to lunch, have a video call catch-up session, or host a study date and mention that you’re concerned. Treat it as if it’s just a regular hang-out!
• Let them open up at their pace. If they’re not ready to talk, that’s okay. Let them know that you’re here to listen whenever they’re ready. 

Encourage them to reach out for help. We are here for everyone. Encourage them to text CONNECT to 741741 if they need help, 100% free and confidential. You could even help them save the number in their phone for whenever they are in a hot moment. That way, even when you are not there, we can help them get to a cool and calm state.

How Crisis Text Line Supports Suicide Prevention

Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 mental health support and crisis intervention via text message. Anyone can text us in a moment of crisis by texting CONNECT to 741741. In 2023 alone, we engaged in over 1.3 million conversations with texters. Of those conversations, 18% of our texters reached out to us regarding suicide. 

The longer our service is able to remain free and open to everyone, the more people we are able to help. Donate $28 to support a texter and consider donating monthly to help keep our life-saving service free and support our selfless volunteers supporting real people in crisis, everyday. 

We partner with people making a difference.

The organizations we choose to collaborate with mean the world to us. We have many partners who are committed to furthering suicide prevention and mental health awareness. One of our partners, Live Free 999, was founded by Carmela Wallace to honor her son Jarad “Juice WRLD” Higgins. Their mission is to support programs that provide preventative measures and positive avenues to address mental health challenges and substance dependency. Learn more about Live Free 999 here →

Interested to know more of our non-profit partners? Learn more here.

We aim to inspire.

Across our social media platforms, you can engage in content that is meant to uplift, bring joy, and inspire our community. We hope that if anyone comes across our content that they feel both seen and heard. Follow us on Instagram, Linkedin or Pinterest to feel inspired or to learn something new!

4 Ways to Support Suicide Prevention This Year

The need to donate to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness is greater than ever this year. Help keep our life-saving service free and accessible!

1. Donate by Giving Money

Any amount you’re willing and able to share, as little as $5, can go a long way. Unsure where to start? Here are some ideas:

• • Skip out on your coffee today and send $7.41 for 741741!
  • Send $28 to support a single texter in their time of crisis.
  • Sending $56 supports two texters – double your impact!
  • $238 can support 1 hour of supervision during conversations between texters and our volunteer Crisis Counselors. Our supervisors ensure that our texters are receiving the guidance and support they need!
  • $1,008 can help a volunteer Crisis Counselor complete their 30-hour required training. 

Where does my money go? Our organization is dedicated to de-escalating crises and connecting people to long-term resources to help support their mental health. Your generous donation goes straight to those in crisis.

2. Donate by Giving Time

Become a volunteer with Crisis Text Line! Our volunteer Crisis Counselors help save lives remotely, on their computers, answering texts from people in crisis. Through this vital support, volunteer Crisis Counselors make a positive impact on the mental health journeys of those in need. Learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Can you read and write in Spanish and English? Become a bilingual volunteer!

Discover why bilingual volunteer Candice remains dedicated to our mission below.

2. Donate by Checking In

This past Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Crisis Text Line encouraged everyone to check in on loved ones and see how they’re doing. Donate some of your time by checking in on your friends, your funny cousin, or your work bestie who always seems to have it together. You never know who might be needing to hear it today. Unsure with what to say? Here’s our blog post about how to help a friend who is suicidal or struggling emotionally → 

3. Donate Your Empathy

Gifting your empathy can go a long way. Spread awareness about suicide prevention by sharing this blog post with someone. You can also share our anxiety, depression, and loneliness pages to support someone you know who’s currently navigating their mental health.

Whether you decide to donate your time, your money, or both, just remember that every little bit goes a long way in building a more empathetic future. Learn more about the Season to Save Lives at Crisis Text Line.