PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Though the 2024 presidential election is now over, its toll on mental health is already showing.
Oregon crisis hotlines saw a huge spike in calls before and after Election Day. Now they’re stepping up to try and offer people hope.
Lines for Life runs most of Oregon’s 988 crisis and suicide lifelines with free, confidential counseling.
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Tuesday’s election results ushered in a second non-consecutive term for Donald Trump. But no matter who you voted for, the crisis line counselors offer help, said Greg Borders, with Lines for Life Portland.
Borders said rising political tension is fueling division and fear on both sides of the political spectrum. However, he said the LGBTQ+ community has been particularly impacted.
“People are really concerned about the election and what happens next and all the unknowns,” Borders said.
This is part of a national trend as The Trevor Project saw a 200% increase in election-related crisis calls from November 3-4 compared to just a few days prior. The non-profit organization provides free 24/7 crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth.