I Need Help Right Away

First, the honest part. Big Sister Academy can’t help in an emergency, and nobody here sees messages right away — so please don’t wait on us.

If you’re in danger right now, call 911.

Every place below is a national service whose whole job is moments like this. They’re free to use, and what you tell them is kept private — with one honest limit: if someone is in immediate danger, the people there may act to keep them safe. No hotline can promise more than that, and we won’t pretend otherwise.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 — any time, day or night 988lifeline.org

If you’d rather type it out

Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 to reach a live, trained counselor crisistextline.org

If you’re LGBTQ+ and need someone who gets it

The Trevor Project Call 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678 thetrevorproject.org

If someone is hurting you at home

National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788 thehotline.org

If someone you’re dating is hurting or controlling you

love is respect Call 1-866-331-9474, or text LOVEIS to 22522 loveisrespect.org

If you’re Native and want a Native voice

StrongHearts Native Helpline Call or text 1-844-762-8423 strongheartshelpline.org

If an adult is hurting a kid

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 — counselors who know what to do next childhelp.org

If you’re thinking of running away — or you already left

National Runaway Safeline Call 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) — they listen, and they can help you get somewhere safe 1800runaway.org

If someone is controlling you, or making you do things you don’t want to

National Human Trafficking Hotline Call 1-888-373-7888, or text HELP to 233733 humantraffickinghotline.org

If someone hurt you sexually

RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline Call 1-800-656-4673 — free, private support rainn.org

¿Hablas español? Help is available in Spanish today. Call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. The National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Runaway Safeline also help in Spanish.