People contemplating suicide and facing mental health issues anywhere in Minnesota can now communicate with a trained counselor 24/7 by texting “MN” to “741741”. State Human Services Department Assistant Commissioner Claire Wilson says texting is quickly becoming a preferred method of communication — certainly for youth. “There is certainly that piece of it that doesn’t require them to have to overcome any barriers in terms of their preferred way of communicating,” Wilson says, “and it is also… immediately available to them.” Wilson adds, “It’s a very critical tool in the toolkit, particularly for our youth, but… texting has become a preferred method of communication really regardless of age.”
Wilson says a trained counselor will help defuse the crisis and connect the texter to local resources. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 also provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.