How useful do you find 'suicide hotlines' etc? I hate talking to the Samaritans (UK)

[Mentalmick]

I emailed the Samaritans once. It was a very odd experience, one which I haven't repeated.

 

[KuriGohan&Kamehameha]

While the Samaritans are much better than some of the other helplines, I have to agree that the service is akin to placing a bandaid over a bullet wound due to the scripted visage the volunteers have to maintain. I don't think it's their fault, they really do think they are performing a good deed and helping people, not truly realizing how unhelpful it is for most.

One time I used the email service and I could tell when they had switched to another volunteer, the typing style and demeanour would change completely, and the new person would be seemingly unaware of what I was saying previously. It didn't feel like a true conversation at all.

 

[CatabolicSeed]

I use the crisis text line sometimes, it's good for when I have a panic attack in the middle of the night and need someone to help calm me down.

 

[JipJopMop]

I hate the Samaritans, I always have to repeat the same shit and they never understand all of my mental disorders which can be annoying.

I'm just not a big fan of helplines, I've tried lots.

At this point I'd rather just ctb