It's Scary. We Get It.

Seeing a friend in pain is one of the hardest things in the world. It’s even harder when you don’t know what to do, and you're terrified of doing the wrong thing.

You might be thinking: "If I tell their parents, my friend will hate me," or "What if their family gets mad or doesn't believe me?"

This is the part that everyone gets stuck on.

You might even go to a teacher or counselor, and they'll tell you that you *still* need to get the parents involved. It can feel like a loop you can't escape. But here's the most important truth:

It is better to have a friend who is alive and upset with you than to stay silent.

This is not a secret you can keep. This is a medical emergency, and it's too big for one person to handle alone. You are not betraying your friend by getting help, you are saving them.

What to Do Right Now

1

Listen & Ask Directly

If you feel safe, talk to your friend. Listen to them without judgment. Don't try to "fix" it. Just be there. It's okay to ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking the question does *not* put the idea in their head. It shows you care and are willing to talk about it.

2

Find Your "Help-Person"

You cannot do this alone. You need to tell an adult. But it doesn't have to be their parent, at least not at first. Find an adult *you* trust.

Your Parents/Guardians: They can help you make the next call and support you.
A School Counselor or Trusted Teacher: This is their job. They are trained for this. They can be the one to contact your friend's family. Let them handle the difficult conversations so you can focus on being a friend.
A Coach, Religious Leader, or older relative.

3

Use a Crisis Line (For Them or You)

These numbers are for *you* too. You can call or text to get advice on how to start this conversation. You can even text them while sitting next to your friend.

Immediate Help

These are free, 24/7, and confidential.

988

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text 988 anytime.

Call 988

HOME to 741741

Crisis Text Line

Text 'HOME' to 741741.

Text HOME

For LGBTQ Youth

The Trevor Project

Call 1-866-488-7386 Text 'START' to 678-678

What is a warmline?

Healing takes a village, but where to begin? Whether you’re supporting someone in crisis or seeking mental health resources, The Long Short Road's warm line is here to help with a listening ear, empathetic support, and referrals.

What can you expect when you call?

The Long Short Road Warmline operates from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Your call will address the issues and offer best practices for your or your loved one’s needs. You can also text The Long Short Road!

Their warmline is a free service.

Please note: This is NOT a 24/7 emergency hotline.

The Long Short Road has a 24-48 hour turnaround on calls received. If you need immediate support, please call 911, 988, or your nearest emergency room.

Ready to take the next step in your journey? The Long Short Road is here for you!

Call Now: 484-474-0544

Warmline Terms of Service & Privacy Policy (Click to Read)

The Long Short Road Warmline is a free, confidential, non-emergency support service for individuals experiencing emotional distress, navigating challenging life situations, or supporting a loved one in crisis.

The Long Short Road's trained warmline responders offer:

Active listening and emotional support.
Coping strategies and self-care suggestions.
Information and referrals to relevant community resources.
Follow-up support when appropriate.

Important: The warmline is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical care, or emergency intervention. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or feel unsafe, please call 911 (U.S.) or go to your nearest emergency department. You can also call or text 988 in the U.S. for immediate suicide and crisis support.

While they strive to provide compassionate, timely, and accurate information, the warmline:

Does not provide medical, psychiatric, or legal advice.
Does not guarantee specific outcomes or results from the support provided.
May refer callers or texters to external resources, but they are not responsible for the quality, safety, or effectiveness of those services.
Cannot guarantee an immediate response at all times.

By contacting the The Long Short Warmline, you acknowledge and agree that:

their team members are volunteers and services are for peer and emotional support only.
They are not liable for any actions you take, decisions you make, or outcomes that result from information, referrals, or support received through the warmline.
You are responsible for your own safety and well-being and should seek emergency or professional help when necessary.

Privacy & Data Collection

When you use their warmline, they may collect:

Contact Information – such as your phone number or email address, if you choose to provide it.
Support-Related Information – any details you voluntarily share about your situation, needs, or experiences during a call or text.
Technical Information – date, time, and method of contact (phone, text, web form, email), which they may keep for record-keeping and quality purposes.

They do not require you to share your name or personal identifying details unless you choose to do so.

Confidentiality

Their warmline is confidential. They will not share your information with third parties without your permission, except when required by law or if we believe it is necessary to prevent imminent harm to you or others. This may include situations involving:

Threats of serious harm or suicide.
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult.
Legal requirements such as a court order.

SMS Consent

When you contact The Long Short Road via text message, you consent to receive replies from their warmline staff. Message frequency will vary depending on your needs. Standard messaging and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.” Reply “HELP” for assistance.

What If You Are the One Struggling?

Everything here applies to you, too. Your feelings are valid, and you are not a burden. You deserve to feel safe and supported.

Please, use the numbers above. Talk to an adult you trust. There is hope, and there is help waiting for you right now.