COLUMBUS, Ohio — Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit that provides free, 24/7, confidential mental health support for any crisis.

What You Need To Know

  • You can text "Election" or "Elecciones" to 741741 to receive help with mental health crisis

  • Crisis Text Line launched this hotline keyword after seeing an increase amount of stress and anxiety related to the 2016 and 2020 election

  • The general election, transgender issues, stress about the future and more are some of the key topics texters are utilizing the hotline for

On the night of the 2016 election, Crisis Text Line realized they noticed a notable increase of activity. That activity stayed consistent through the fall of 2020, which caused them to dedicate a hotline keyword. Texters can now text “Election” or “Elecciones” to 741741 so people can connect to a volunteer crisis counselor.  

Data from the text line shows the election season causes heightened feelings of stress and anxiety. About one in five of conversations are surrounding discussions of the candidates, debates and the election in general. Mistrust in the government, stress about the future, political social media stress and trans issues are also popular topics of conversations. 

The majority of people utilizing the Crisis Text Line are under the age of 25 and often need help navigating conversations around politics when with friends and family. Multiple studies show that about 70% of Gen z’ers prefer texting as their main line of communication. Natalia Dayan, with Crisis Text Line, said that a text only service allows for people to address a crisis with anonymity and be given tools that they can use in real time without having to leave the room.

“It's something that you can be in the middle of a party and text us and no one knows,” said Dayan. “We actually have had that happen many, many times where texters tell us they're in a room full of people and they're having a conversation with us without other people knowing. I think that's one of the biggest benefits.”

According to Crisis Text Line, 84% of their texters reported feeling more hopeful, less depressed and less overwhelmed after texting with their volunteers. You can visit their website here if you are interested in becoming a volunteer crisis counselor.