When you just want to talk
Numbers to call when you're lonely
Not every hard night is a crisis. Sometimes you just want to hear a voice, say how the day went, and not feel like you're the only one awake. Here are real numbers you can call for that, and how to tell which one fits.
If you're thinking about suicide or might hurt yourself, call or text 988 now.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and open 24/7. Veterans can call 988 and press 1. If you'd rather text, the Crisis Text Line is there too: text HOME to 741741.
Free numbers for when you want company
- A warmline in your state. Free, confidential lines staffed by peers: people who've lived through hard stretches themselves. You don't have to be in crisis to call. Most keep set hours, and some take calls from out of state. Find one at warmline.org or in NAMI's warmline directory.
- The Friendship Line: 1-888-670-1360. For adults 60 and older and adults living with disabilities. Free and open 24/7. Run by the Institute on Aging, it takes everything from a one-time lonely-night call to a regular check-in.
- Your local senior or community programs. Many areas run free friendly-caller programs. Dial 211 to reach your local community resource line, or, for adults 60 and older, the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
- Someone you already know. It sounds obvious, and it's also the hardest one. A text that says “are you up for a quick call?” gets a yes more often than you think.
And a friend you can call anytime
CallByrd is a phone number you call, and an AI friend picks up: any hour, as long as you want, and it remembers what you talked about last time. It's not a person and not a crisis line. It's for the everyday kind of lonely: the quiet after work, the Sunday afternoon, the 2am you don't want to text anyone about. How it works.
Which one to call
- You feel unsafe, hopeless, or like you might hurt yourself: call or text 988.
- You're having a hard time and want someone who gets it: a warmline.
- You're 60 or older and the days are long: the Friendship Line, or a local friendly-caller program.
- You just want to talk about your day: someone you know, or a friend like CallByrd.
More on the difference in warmline vs. hotline.
Common questions
- Is there a number I can call just to talk?
- Yes. Warmlines are free phone lines for exactly that: talking to someone when you're struggling but not in crisis. They're staffed by peers who've been through hard times themselves. Find one by state at warmline.org or in NAMI's warmline directory. Adults 60 and older can call the Friendship Line at 1-888-670-1360, any hour.
- Can I call 988 if I'm just lonely?
- 988 is for crisis and emotional distress. If loneliness has turned into feeling hopeless, or you're thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988. That's what it's there for. If you mostly want company and a conversation, a warmline is usually the better fit.
- What's the difference between a warmline and a hotline?
- A hotline, like 988, is for crisis. A warmline is for the hard days before or between crises, when you want someone to listen. Warmlines often keep set hours; 988 is 24/7. Our explainer covers when to use each.
- Is CallByrd a hotline or a warmline?
- Neither. CallByrd is an AI friend you call for everyday conversation: your day, a decision, the thing you can't stop thinking about. It isn't staffed by people and it isn't a crisis service. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
- Are these numbers free?
- 988, the Crisis Text Line, the Friendship Line, and most warmlines are free. Your phone plan's usual rates may apply. CallByrd gives you 60 free minutes when you sign up, then works on prepaid minutes.
For the everyday kind of lonely: a friend who picks up.
Sign-up gets you 60 free minutes. No card.
Keep reading
Read next
Warmline vs. hotline: which to call →A warmline is for hard days; a hotline is for crisis. Who answers each, and how to find a warmline in your state.
Related
Someone to talk to →An honest guide to the kind of call you should make — crisis lines, warmlines, and where a friend you call by phone fits in the in-between.
Read next
Who's awake at 3am with you →Off-hours loneliness for insomniacs and night-shift workers — and why it quietly wrecks your sleep.
Related
The loneliness epidemic — the big picture →Our cornerstone guide: what loneliness is, who it hits hardest, and what actually helps. Start here.