Discussion Do you have experience with crisis helplines? Is it worth it?

[NonEssential]

For quite a while now I've been thinking that at the end next week would possibly be my departure. In the meantime I'm wondering if I should call one of those suicide hotline numbers, have them possibly somehow convince me to not go through with it. Though I'm certain if I were to call, I'd have to avoid mentioning how close to it I seem to possibly be.

Have you ever called one of those? What's your opinion or experience with them?

 

[literallynoone]

called and immediatly hang up, too much of a pussy for a fucking crisis helpline

called and immediatly hang up, too much of a pussy for a fucking crisis helpline

they do seem like really nice people tho. my sister worked for one
you should call them imo

 

[esotericaa]

i called one once, the lady asked me about my plan and why i wanted to do it... i was pretty hysterical at that point so i had her reassure me she wouldnt call the police on me so i told her. i dont think it was super helpful, theres probably not much they can do if the police isnt an option (which is good? i guess? because the police arent known for helping sensitive situations) so she looked up mental hospitals in my area and suggested those... eventually i got tired of speaking in circles because i absolutely didnt want to go to one, so she said the line would call me back the next day. they did a few times, but i didnt pick up the phone and they didnt try again after. ive heard a lot of poor testimony about crisis hotlines so it could be that i got a particularly attentive operator

 

[desiderium]

The one and only time I called my regional crisis line, nobody picked up.

I'm not going to lie, it was so surreal that I burst out laughing. I got an automatic voice that instructed me to call 911 if it was a true moment of crisis, which of course I didn't do. I never tried to call one again. It did work in a way since I'm still here (clearly), but yeah.... calling a crisis line to have nobody answer is so morbidly fucked up that I couldn't help but giggle. Not even the tele-operator wanted to hear my bs.

I tried texting crisis lines one or two times when I was a teen and had better success. I've had friends call a crisis line and have mixed results (including another friend who also didn't get a reply when calling our regional one). It honestly seems like it just depends on the person who picks up.

 

[pickedmyctbdate]

All I've ever heard about them is that the people sound either judgmental or bored out of their minds.

 

[overlyforgetfuldove]

Not via call, but I've messaged with a crisis line before. It felt so robotic, almost like an AI speaking to me. My friends say they've had better experience calling. I think it really just depends on where you are and who you get connected to, sadly.

 

[Preh1storic_Rib]

I've had very mixed expiriences in terms of helpfulness. Most of them are swamped and don't have time for much once they confirm you aren't actively a danger. I'd more reccomend looking into if there are any Warm Lines for your area (may be called something else outside the US). Their whole philosophy is that calling an ambulance or the police to someone in a crisis can just make an even worse situation for the person. And instead focus on listening and community resources. Which, at least for me, is a lot more in line with what I wanted when I first called a helpline.

 

[mistercarrot1]

have them possibly somehow convince me to not go through with it. Though I'm certain if I were to call, I'd have to avoid mentioning how close to it I seem to possibly be.

I don't know how they are going to convince you if you aren't going to tell them how close you are. But sure you can say you've had passive feelings and see what you get out of it. I've found in Canada the responders are fine and nice even but didn't really feel much better after I put the phone down. No real harm in trying it IMO.

 

[sobeit0]

Most of the time it feels like they aren't fully equipped for dealing with suicidal people and just repeat what you say back to them, calling you brave for opening up. Some feel like they aren't really listening to what you're saying. Some really put all their energy and care into listening to you and supporting you in what ways they can though.

 

[valar_morghulis21]

Not worth it for me. Full of undertrained volunteers who only do this so they have sthing put on CV and get into grad school / other related institution. In order to be helpful someone gotta be able to relate and sympathize with the cause. Very little people outside of Sasu are. I called them a few times and just end up being even more lonely and empty than ever

 

[sadbh—itstimetogo🤎]

Just don't give personal, identifying info if you want a 0% chance of police arriving at your door. They don't see your location like 911 does.

 

[isolute_2488]

It's completely useless. just the same old nonsense that does nothing to address the underlying mental illness or financial issues. Sure, hearing words of comfort might make you feel better for a moment, but considering the risk of the police showing up at your door, the payoff just doesn't seem worth it.