If I call a suicide hotline what type of stuff will they ask me?

[kamikaze_shark04]

they can't like call the cops on ur or anything can they?

 

[Preh1storic_Rib]

Most hotlines have their rules and terms on their website for what will get you a welfare check. But generally, they don't do anything of the sort if you at least act like you've been talked down by the end.

If you're really worried about it, but still want to talk to someone, there are some hotlines that offer chat services instead. Its the same thing but instead of calling you're just using a website to text the person on the other side. You can use a free vpn and lie when they ask you your city/country, not much they can do.

 

[willitpass]

They can call the cops if they feel you're in immediate danger. They will ask you if you're suicidal, if you have intent, if you have a plan, and if you do have a plan if you have immediate access to it. They may also ask you where you are, things like "on a bridge" or "in a hotel" and they like are big red flags for them. If you tell them you have means to end your life with you and you have plans to use them they will likely send someone to you. Otherwise they are very unlikely to do so as they know that will break your trust in them and make you less likely to call again.

 

[Ligottian]

Serial killer Ted Bundy worked at a suicide hotline when he was in college. His supervisors were apparently impressed.

 

[Plato'sCaveDweller]

they often call the cops. i wouldn't recommend calling as they can't do anything about your problems anyways, unless you feel the need to be protected from yourself. Preh1storic_Rib offered a better alternative. I'd recommend that if you're looking to vent or something.

 

[SilentSadness]

Apparently the Samaritans do not call the police on you, but they are useless from my experience. It's up to you, but be aware that the purpose of these hotlines is not to help you, it's to "do something about the suicide problem", which is generally not in your best interests.

 

[2messdup]

they can't like call the cops on ur or anything can they?

Samaritans (phone 116 123), if you're in the UK, definitely WON'T call anyone even if you are about to ctb or have already taken something, unless you become unconscious while on the line. They're the only people legally allowed to do this. So you wouldn't be alone. Someone would be with you on the phone until you're out of it. Their phone number is 116 123. Their philosophy is that you are an adult and it is your decision if you want to ctb. If you're not sure, call them. All this is on their website and when I've called them it's true. All the other hotlines will call someone - Ive been threatened with this by one.

 

[sancta-simplicitas]

Depends on where you're at. In my country they aren't allowed to call any cops, but they may try to persuade you into doing it yourself. Most hotlines I've come across use a method called Motivational Interviewing. Personally I think it's infuriating, but to each their own. Typically goes something like this:

Hello, this is Helpline.
Hello, this is Suicidal. I want to CTB.
Why do you want to CTB?
My entire family was killed by a dragon with rabies.
You want to CTB because your family were killed by a rabies infected dragon.
Yes...
That is a whole lot to go through, how unlucky you are. How have you coped?
I have been playing Skyrim, it let's you kill dragons and I can pretend that I get revenge.
You have played a video game about hunting dragons.
Yes
That is very creative of you. It sounds like you are really strong and working on a solution for your grief.
Yes, but it doesn't help. I can't sleep. I still want to CTB.
I see. But the fact that you play video games sounds like a positive thing. What are some other positive things that you can do?
Idk...
You called us. Could that be a positive thing? I think it was a very good decision.
Idk, I guess...
Let me see if I understand you correctly; your family passed away by rabid dragon, it was a very hard experience for you and you have been handling it by things like playing video games and calling hotlines. Does that sound right?
Yes, but...
What are some more things you can do to cope?

Ad infinitum.

 

[ADBoy777]

From my own experience they just keep saying "I understand" and repeating what you tell them in other variation.


Wasn't really helpful for me but I hope it will be for you

 

[TraumaEscapee:)]

Most hotlines have their rules and terms on their website for what will get you a welfare check. But generally, they don't do anything of the sort if you at least act like you've been talked down by the end.

If you're really worried about it, but still want to talk to someone, there are some hotlines that offer chat services instead. Its the same thing but instead of calling you're just using a website to text the person on the other side. You can use a free vpn and lie when they ask you your city/country, not much they can do.

They can track you down online by using your IP address. Happened to an old friend of mine once.
However, if you want to call a suicide hotline I'd recommend it. I've had some great experiences with people on the other end of the phone. There's also a recovery thread if you ever want to use it. I've never been interested personally but suicide hotlines are great mostly.

 

[Unspoken7612]

There are three broad types of "suicide hotline". Each behaves quite differently.

Firstly, there are lines associated with a health service, often called "crisis lines". The point of calling these lines is to get intensive help. They will assess your needs. They might decide that you need an ambulance. They might book you in for emergency clinical care. They will ask for information like your name, address, date of birth, and perhaps a little bit of medical history.

Secondly, there are "suicide prevention" lines run by charities. These are not directly connected to medical services and are more or less anonymous, with the usual "unless we think there is a threat to life" type of disclaimers. You don't have to share any information with them and there's nothing they can do if you don't. I found calling one of these to be utterly pointless. I hung up after the responder said "have you tried listening to podcasts?"

Finally, there are "listening" lines, also run by charities. Samaritans is one such example. These are not there to stop you from killing yourself, and they will not give advice of any kind. They will only call emergency services in limit circumstances, and will only do it during a call in very limited circumstances: if you ask them to, or if you pass out during the call. I've never felt pressured to give information, although sometimes late in a call I will give my first name. If you want in-depth discussion about suicide, truly free from judgement, a line like this is probably your best option.

Before calling a line, check their confidentiality policy.