988 and other resources available to cope with election stress

Nov. 8, 2024, 11:50 a.m. ·

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Health professionals are sharing resources for people coping with the stress election season can bring.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said the 988 suicide prevention hotline can help.

Michelle Nunemaker is with the division of behavioral health. She said the hotline is the best resource for many mental health situations.

“That's exactly what 988 is there for. It is really, truly there for any kind of situation,” Nunemaker said. “And I think that's why we continue to see our numbers go up, because we're seeing more and more people utilizing the 988 for any kind of high emotional situation.”

Nunemaker said the latest jump in calls is hard to pin on election season, but the hotline is available 24-7 for anyone needing help, by dialing 988.

“Our 988 calls continue to increase every month, and they have remained steady in that increase,” Nunemaker said. “We haven't seen an exponential increase.”

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln published an election stress kit to help people coping with election stress.

The counselors at UNL also have a web page dedicated to election stress. CAPS also offers same day initial evaluations for students looking for mental health support through individual counseling.

CAPS has an on-call counselor available 24-7 at 402-472-7450, along with self-guided mental health resources and an online mental health screening.