September 1st marked the third day of school, as well as the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. Data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that in 2019, 47,511 Americans died by suicide and 1.38 million attempted suicide. 

The Lasso wants to provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention resources for anyone who is in distress. We encourage you to utilize the organizations below to get the help you need and deserve.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)

The Lifeline provides crisis support 24/7 for anyone who is in need of emotional support immediately. The Lifeline has a separate line for Spanish speakers at 1-888-628-9454, and they also have Tele-Interpreters who can support people in over 150 languages. The Lifeline is free to use, and the trained counselors will make sure your call remains confidential and that you will receive the support you need.

The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386)

The Trevor Project was created to provide crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. The TrevorLine is available 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 for LQBTQ+ youth in distress. You can also receive help 24/7 on TrevorChat, which is a confidential messaging system that connects youth with trained counselors. Finally, you can text “START” to 678-678 to be put in contact with a trained counselor, available all the time. 

Crisis Text Line (Text ​​HOME to 741741)

Crisis Text Line provides assistance over text to anyone facing some sort of crisis. You can text “HOME” to 741741 and within five minutes (may be longer during “high-traffic times”), you will be connected with a trained volunteer. The text exchange won’t end until both you and the Crisis Counselor determine that you are in a “cool, safe place.” The Crisis Text Line is open 24/7 and is available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland (text 85258 for the UK and 50808 for Ireland).

National Eating Disorders Association (800- 931-2237)

The National Eating Disorders Association has trained volunteers who are ready to provide support and resources for those struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. They can be reached at 800- 931-2237 on Mondays through Thursdays from 11am to 9pm Eastern Time, and Fridays from 11am to 5pm Eastern Time. There is also a Crisis Text Line that provides 24/7 support to those in crisis. Just text NEDA to 741741 (same number as Crisis Text Line) and a trained volunteer will be there to assist you. Finally, you can utilize the NEDA Online Chat on Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 9pm Eastern Time, and on Fridays from 9am to 5pm Eastern Time. 

Teen Line (800 852-8336)

Teen Line is an organization that allows teens in need to be supported by their peers. Teenage volunteers undergo a sixty-five hour training program to make sure they are qualified to support teens over the phone, through texts and emails, and through other forms of messaging. Teen Line can be reached at 310-855-4673 or 800-852-8336 (Toll-free number in the United States and Canada). You can also text “TEEN” to 839863, or download the Teen Talk App to receive anonymous support from a trained teen. All of these resources are available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Meridian Counseling and Student Services Team

The Meridian Counseling and Student Services Team is ready and willing to help students with anything that they may be struggling with. Click here to access the contact information for the Meridian Counseling and Student Services Team, and feel free to reach out regarding any issue that you may be facing.