Suicide Prevention Hotline Number Should Be 3 Digits, 988, Agency Says

Re:Suicide Prevention Hotline Number Should Be 3 Digits, 988... by Clubber on Friday August 16, 2019 @10:36AM (#20715554)

I agree with the sentiment of the article. I think the suicide hotline should also include a mental health hotline, or make a mental health hotline a separate number. I think that would help prevent some of these mass shootings. Perhaps a potential shooter, between planning and action, might have a moment of clarity where they know what they are doing is wrong and could call the number. The result could be a simple conversation along with a notification to local or federal authorities.

Here is an interesting take on the profiles of mass shooters. The part that jumped out at me is we need to be profiling these people as serial killers rather than domestic terrorists. He is basing his opinion on a study of mass shooters from today back to 1966.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht5ldqQdioM

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Re:Suicide Prevention Hotline Number Should Be 3 Digits, 988... by TheLastPass on Friday August 16, 2019 @10:39AM (#20715576)

> along with a notification to local or federal authorities

I think that might dissuade a lot of them, but one of the biggest problems I see with some of the red flag laws that have been implemented is the mental health professionals who have been involved are the only people who aren't allowed to report you to the cops. Anyone else can, with impunity, but not them.

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Re:Suicide Prevention Hotline Number Should Be 3 Digits, 988... by Clubber on Friday August 16, 2019 @10:42AM (#20715605)

Yes, I agree. It would have to come with the contention that there wouldn't be an arrest, punishment, etc, or that any confiscation would have a limited term. Perhaps someone, in their moment of clarity, would understand that confiscation is the best solution at the time. I think it's at least worth a trial run.

Also, I believe mental health professionals are allowed to report incidents where the patient has indicated they plan on committing a violent crime.

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