The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is now operational nationwide. Some of the phone counselors say they need help dealing with abusive callers who keep them on the line and sexually harass them.

Calls to 988 will be answered by counselors trained in suicide prevention. Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities says the state has invested about $20.5 million in 988 related expenditures over the past 20 months.

Mental health advocates hope the new hotline will make it much easier to get support if you're in crisis or helping someone who is. Here's how it works and what could stand in its way.