Have you ever felt like you just need someone to talk to?

It’s a common need, and confidants can be hard to come by. When facing problems in life, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to go it alone. Whatever struggles one is facing, there is help available.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline serves as a quick, easy way to get in touch with a trained counselor who will serve as a listening ear in your time of need. Despite the name, the Lifeline is not only there for individuals contemplating suicide. Rather, the service also offers a source of emotional support for a variety of problems, as well as a resource for those who may be concerned about a friend or loved one.

“No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline,” the Lifeline website reads. “People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few.”

For those concerned about suicidal behavior in a loved one, learning the signs of such behavior can help save a life. These signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

No matter how strong a person is, stress, difficult life events and crisis can affect any one of us. When it does, the following are some good numbers to have on hand.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Options for the Deaf and hard of hearing — 1-800-799-4889

Veterans Crisis Line — 1-800-273-8255

Disaster Distress Helpline — 1-800-985-5990

The Lifeline is available to everyone, 24/7 and is a free and confidential service. When life becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.