Support groups are usually made up of individuals who are going through or have gone through similar experiences, sharing with each other in order to process and recover from difficulties.  These experiences may include health conditions like cancer, depression, and substance abuse, or they may be emotional and related to life events, like bereavement.

Support groups can be helpful and bridge the gap between medical treatment and the need to talk about what we’re going through.  They are not substitutes for professional help, but are often recommended by healthcare providers and generally regarded as beneficial by the medical community.

  • Click here to view and download the Careline’s suicide prevention brochure to learn about the Careline and what to do if you are worried about someone else who may be suicidal.

988: Anyone in the United States can call or text 988 or use the chat function via www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org to access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which will now be known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The state has been partnering with stakeholders for over a year to ensure that Alaska is ready for 988.

ABOUT 988
• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible through the previous 10-digit number and 988. 
• 988 will accept calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health, and/ or substance use crisis. People can also contact 988 if they are concerned about a loved one in crisis.
• Alaskans who dial 988 will be connected with the Alaska Careline, an in-state call center where trained counselors answer calls, chats, and texts.

ABOUT THE ALASKA CARELINE
• The Careline is operated by Careline Crisis Intervention, Inc., an agency based in Fairbanks that serves all of Alaska and is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call center.
• The Alaska Careline also receives calls directly from Alaskans who call the in-state suicide prevention and someone to talk to line (1-877-266-4357).
• The Alaska Careline supports Alaskans experiencing any level of crisis. Counselors provide emotional support and work collaboratively with the person in crisis to address their needs, working with them to increase their wellness and safety.
• The Alaska Careline is supported and funded by the Alaska Department of Health, Division of Behavioral Health.