That's great that it helped. That sounds like the ideal really- someone to listen to you properly.
My experience wasn't good but that was probably because I wasn't ringing them for help. I'd agreed to be put in touch with them after the IC SN welfare checks. Mainly to reassure the police officers that they could leave me for someone else to deal with.
The first lady I spoke to did at least sound sympathetic but- like I say, I wasn't phoning to talk about my problems. I just wanted to get rid of them too. She did at least sound nice. The second lady that rang really wasn't. She tried both guilt trips- think of what your suicide would do to your family. Plus, she brought up the 'issue of mental capacity' which frightened me that she may actually try to section me!
Really though, it was a waste of both our time. I wasn't in immediate 'danger' and I didn't even want to talk to them. Really, I was just a potential problem for them because the police let me keep the SN- because I clearly wasn't in immediate risk of using it and I seemed fairly lucid I imagine. So, it's not the fairest judgement of their service.
A friend once rang though and said it didn't help them. All they were really interested to find out was whether she had a plan in place and whether she was in a position to be able to carry it out. When they found out she had neither, they seemed to lose interest. (According to her.)
I think it depends who you get- obviously. I see no harm in trying it if you want help or support but- I get puzzled when people are surprised when they try to stop them CTB. These are suicide prevention hotlines- they are likely going to try and prevent you committing suicide! Sometimes in quite dramatic ways- informing the police and sectioning you- if they believe you are going to do it imminently. I think it's fine to try- if it appeals but, people should be aware of what could potentially happen if they let on too much.
Out of interest, were you clear with them that you had a plan in place that you were able to implement? Did they push you to tell them whether you had a plan? I'm glad it helped ypu though.
To be fair- I know they get a lot of bashing here. Still, if some of them really are volunteers, I do admire their effort. I think it comes from a kind place of wanting to help people.
