PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week and today is National Depression Screening Day.

Janet Kittams is the CEO of the Helpline Center, the entity operating the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in South Dakota. She says people can use the 988 number a few different ways.

Since 988 was activated in mid-July, Kittams says use of the helpline service as increased.

Kittams urges people to pay attention to warning signs of a possible mental health crisis.

The 988 Lifeline operates through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 1-800 number (1.800.273.8255), but is easier to remember and use– much like 911 for emergencies. Kittams says the professionally trained staff of South Dakota’s Helpline Center have been answering the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline since 2005.