In 2022, the US launched a campaign to combat suicide, moving from a 10-digit hotline to a 3-digit number: the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Did that small change actually make a difference?

In today’s newsletter:

Let’s dive in.

In July 2022, the U.S. introduced the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, replacing the old 1-800-273-TALK number with a simple 3-digit line.

They also invested over $1.5 billion to expand crisis center capacity and staffing across the country.

A recent study measured the rate of suicide after the introduction of the campaign.

The results are incredible.

The billion-dollar investment in the 988 campaign affected measurable change in the US, raising awareness of resources and ultimately saving lives.

Now that’s good news!

An issue like suicide is multifaceted, involving a number of cultural, psychological, and behavioral factors. But by investing heavily in a simpler solution, thousands of lives were saved.

How often does one simple change make a big impact?

We can be stumped by how nuanced and difficult our problems are. It may feel like you get lost in a sea of possible solutions.

But one real change is better than 1000 good ideas.

This week, my challenge for us is simple: go all in on one real change.

I’m not talking about quick fixes or social media detoxes. I’m talking about taking a well-thought out step you’ve been hesitating to take because it feels big.

This week, let’s take that step. Here are a few of ideas:

At the end of a long day, the doomscroll becomes super tempting.

That late night scroll can have a huge impact on sleep. And like a glass of wine at night, it’s “extra-calories” that only serve to steal our rest and raise our anxiety.

This week, shut your phone down 15 minutes before bed.

Pick up a book, talk to your spouse, or journal about your day.

This one is absolutely necessary.

Start by taking a look at your screen time from this past week. Were you on your phone 4 hours a day? 5? 6?

Try and cut it by just one hour.

Set that goal and share it with someone. At the end of the week, check in! See if this goal was attainable or if there is another change needed.

Maybe more effective than a general screen-time goal is setting specific app limits.

Start by setting specific limits through your phone settings. Identify which apps are stealing your time the most. I know you’re going to be tempted to set limits for every app.

Just limit one.

Pick the one you’ve been wanting to change for a while now. Make that one reasonable change.

At the end of your week, reevaluate with a friend, your roommate, or your spouse. Consider adjusting that limit or adding another app limit.

One change won’t fix everything. There will still be work and areas of growth. But going all in on one move can make a big difference.

Make one real change this week.

Region One Prevention is a group fighting for change. They bring law enforcement, parents, and community leaders together to fight against substance abuse and for better futures in NWA.

I’m speaking at the Region One Prevention Conference in a couple of weeks! I’d love to see you there.

📍 Fayetteville Public Library
📆 Monday June 8
🕛 12pm - 2pm

I’ll be leading a conversation on how video game addiction contributes to relapse in other areas of life.

Come say hey! I’d love to connect.

Good times with friends playing board games and eating good food (ribeye) this past weekend.

Time spent with people we like or are getting to know doing things we like and enjoy.

That fills my cup.

What fills yours? Reply and let me know!

— Ian