Due to a recent suicide death that impacted many young people and families in our community, we want to share the resources we offer to support those affected by this loss.
Support Groups
The Coping with Suicide Loss Support Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 7pm in the 1105 Project building.
Crisis Phone/Chat/Text
CommUnity’s crisis line is available 24/7 at 1-855-325-4296. CommUnity’s chat and text services are available at IowaCrisisChat.org from 9am-2am central time. Between the hours of 2am and 9am central, you can chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Counselors are available to talk about grief, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and other feelings that have come up as a result of this event.
Mobile Crisis Outreach
Our Mobile Crisis Outreach team is available 24/7/365 to respond to mental health crises in the community. Our counselors can be dispatched to homes, schools, emergency rooms, or public places where a mental health crisis is occurring.
What’s it like to use CommUnity’s services?
Last year, we had almost 9,000 contacts with people under the age of 19. Roughly 75% of those contacts had to do with suicide. Whatever struggle you’re going through, we want you to know that you’re not alone and that we’re here to listen.
Here is some of the feedback left by two of those teenagers who used Iowa Crisis Chat:
“My chat specialist was really understanding and made me feel like I’m not going through this alone… and this one chat may have prevented something that I thought was a solution.” ~ Anonymous 15-year-old
“My chat partner was amazing I get comfortable and she helped me and didn’t judge me and I think that I’m going to speak out and be more open with my parents about things. She really did help me.” ~ Anonymous 14-year-old
We are always in search of additional caring volunteers to help provide this service and make sure that we can reach even more young people. You can learn more about volunteering here.
Contacting a crisis line can seem intimidating. And while each call is different, the best thing to remember is what they have in common: no pressure, no judgment, and an open space to share whatever you need to.
Here are some FAQ’s to give a sense of what it’s like to call the crisis line:
Who answers my call?
When you call, someone with at least 60 hours of crisis counseling training will answer. Some are staff, but the majority of counselors are volunteers. They will introduce themselves right away, and if you feel comfortable, you can share your name as well. (If not, you can remain anonymous!)
How do I know I won’t be judged?
Empathy is the defining characteristic of our phone calls. When you call the crisis line, you are speaking to a human equal, who has no agenda other than listening and offering support. But if you’re still feeling tentative about using a crisis line, you’re not alone. If you feel uncomfortable calling, reach out to us online or with a text to 1-855-325-4296!
Should I only call in an emergency?
This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is an absolute no: you can call or chat our crisis lines any time at all. Stressed out? Not sure if you’re going to make rent? Worried about a friend? Even if you aren’t contemplating suicide, we understand wanting someone to listen without judgment. That’s what we’re here for.
Do I have to talk?
Not at all. As a matter of fact, you can text our line at any time, or reach out to our online chat at iowacrisichat.org. Our services can be as discreet as you would need or like. For instance, you could save the crisis line’s number (1-855-325-4296) in your contacts under any name at all. Plus, you can text that same number instead! No matter which method you use—call, chat, or text—we just hope you reach out.
How long can we talk?
We don’t end a conversation until we feel confident that we’ve done everything we can to help. After about an hour or so, a volunteer might begin to see if you’re ready to end the conversation, but a call back to check in is still an option.
Can I call if I’m not local?
Absolutely! We operate as part of the National Suicide Prevention’s 24/7 Lifeline service and encourage calls and chats from anywhere and everywhere.
These services all exist to address a question we all ask sometimes, which is, am I alone? The answer is that no, none of us are alone. We’re all in this together, and that’s why we encourage anyone to call, text, or chat with us at 1-855-325-4296 and IowaCrisisChat.org. No matter what your reason for calling is, we’re here for you.[/two-thirds-first]
Call/Text: 1-855-325-4296
Chat: IowaCrisisChat.org
Mobile Crisis Dispatch: 1-855-800-1239
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools
Coping with Suicide Loss Support Group
1st Thursday of each month at 7pm
1105 Project Building, 1105 S. Gilbert Ct. Iowa City, IA[/one-third]
