Quote:
Originally Posted by Spockette
The thing which I don't quite understand is that if you're genuinely in crisis, wouldn't you want authorities to be called? We could get into a debate about the intentions behind suicide but if ringing a crisis team is considered a cry for help - wouldn't the authorities be a means of accessing that help? I'm aware of the variables, useless hospitals, punitive treatment etc but the whole thing sounds like a contradiction in terms to me. Anyway, I hope that whoever you call, they're able to provide you with what you need at that moment - if you're not really sure why you're calling, say so. They should be able to talk it through with you and as long as you try and be clear about what it is you are feeling i don't see why it would necessarily have to end with more serious measures being taken.
|
each state in america has their own cut off line where crisis volunteers have to call the police and serious measures taken..here in NY we have zero tolerance laws about violence to self and others since 9/11 (for those that may not know thats when suicide bombers took planes /people hostage and crashed into the world trade center and the pentagon.
since then New York has installed what we call zero tolerance to any form of violence to our selves or others.
in relation to the crisis center where I work this means we .....have....to call in the police under these NY state laws. We would rather get the police involved and get them help than to find out the person at the end of the phone took hostages /shot up a school / or what ever else they may plan in their suicidal or psychotic state of mind.
to answer your first question ...no genuinely in crisis doesnt always mean you want the authorities called. example the other night I was taking calls and there was a guy who had lost his wife. he was extremely depressed and suicidal and in major crisis. but in his state of mind he didnt want anyone to help him. he just wanted to make sure his sons would be taken care of after he died. I kept him on the phone placing him back and forth on hold with some creative excuses and while he was on hold I contacted the police. I could hear in the background as the police got to his home. I heard a shot and thought the worst. then a police officer was on the phone telling me they got there. he had every intention of succeeding, it was one of the police that took the shot when the guy tried to make his move.
he reached out in crisis not to get help for himself but to make sure someone found him before his boys came home the next day.
though this is an extreme case, not everyone in crisis wants the authorities called. most do not. most do not want to be hospitalized or arrested for being a danger to their self and others. they just want the hurting to stop.