Help centerLearning and self Works today
Someone to talk things through with
Your assistant is a place to think out loud, at any hour, when something is on your mind.
Works today
Nothing to connect. You only text your assistant.
Suggested tools
You can set these up yourself. Get the app, follow the steps, then copy the prompt.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
A free number to call or text any time to talk with a trained person.
- Nothing to download. Call or text 988 from any phone in the United States.
- For Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988.
- You can also chat on the website.
- Save 988 in your contacts today, before you need it.
Copy this prompt and give it to your assistant
If I ever tell you I am in crisis or thinking about hurting myself, remind me right away that I can call or text 988.
Your assistant is not a counselor and cannot call anyone for you. If you are in danger, call 911.
Find A Helpline
A free website that finds a helpline for your country and your need.
- Open findahelpline.com on your phone.
- Choose your country and the topic you want to talk about.
- Pick a helpline and call, text or chat with it.
- Use this for family in another country too.
Copy this prompt and give it to your assistant
I want to talk something through. You are not a counselor, and that is fine. Mostly listen and ask me questions. If it sounds serious, remind me about findahelpline.com and 988.
The website lists helplines run by other groups. It is not a helpline itself, and your assistant does not contact one for you.
What to text
I need to talk something through. Just listen first. Do not try to fix it yet.
I have a hard choice to make. Ask me questions to help me think.
Say back what you heard me say. What am I most worried about?
I had a bad day with a customer. Help me calm down and decide what to do tomorrow.
Help me get ready for a hard talk with my business partner.
Steps
- Text what is on your mind, in your own words. It does not need to be neat.
- Say what you want: to be heard, to get questions, or to get ideas.
- Be specific. "I woke up at 2 worried about payroll" helps more than "I feel stressed."
- Ask it to say back what it heard. Correct it if it got you wrong.
- End with one small next step. Then talk to a person you trust about it too.
Example conversation
I need to talk something through. Just listen first. Do not try to fix it yet.
I am here. Take your time. What is going on?
My best worker told me he is leaving. I am worried I cannot keep up with the jobs and I did not sleep.
That is a lot to carry. I hear two worries: losing someone you count on, and keeping up with the work. Which one feels heavier right now?
Make it stick
- Tell it how to help: "just listen" or "ask me questions." It follows your lead.
- It tends to agree with you. Ask: "What am I missing?" or "What would a good friend say?"
- Keep talking to the people in your life. If you notice you would rather talk to it than to people, tell someone you trust.
What it will not do
It is a place to think out loud. It is not a therapist, a doctor or a counselor, and it does not replace one. It does not diagnose. During a demo, Sam can see conversations.
Demo notice
During a demo, do not send passwords, card numbers or private customer details. Read the demo rules.
If you need help now
If you might hurt yourself or someone else, call or text 988 (US) right away.