[Secretum]

Only when you feel extremely suicidal, and are inches away from carrying out your plan?

or

When you feel like you could possibly be a danger to yourself, but probably will be okay?

or

Whenever you can't contain your emotions, and just need someone to talk to?

I am currently dealing with a mixed episode, and it's pretty bad at times. You all know how I felt last night... It got to the point where I bit myself () because I was willing to try anything that might make me feel better.

I don't see my new pdoc for 2 more weeks, and I don't have anyone in my life who I can talk to about my issues. I almost called my university's crisis line last night, but I stopped because I wasn't acutely suicidal. I didn't want them to think I was just taking up their time, or worse, take time away from someone who needed the help more. Thanks.

[Cnytroxy1973]

SECRETUM Any and all of the scenarios that you just posted I would call. They are there to help you in anyway you need it. You deserve to be listened to just as well as the next person...Hope this helps........

[kj44]

I wish I could help you! Maybe if you know, I am exactly where you are. I see my Pdoc
on Wed.. You asked the same question as me kind of, I posted earlier in General, I think?
Memory isn't good! Hold on, I'm right here with you, and I do care!

[SoupDragon]

Hi, sorry you are having such a tough time right now.

I have this dilemma at times. My T tells me to call if things are bad to stop the SI, but I don't want to waste his time. I think either I am going to do it or I am not. If I am then what's the point in calling him as I have already decided to and if I am not, then there is also no point in calling.

However this is only in relation to SI, I think in terms of thoughts of more significant damage being done, then for me it is important to ask for help before the point that the decision is made to go ahead with a plan. So I would say if anyone has a plan and has means to carry out that plan and is having active thoughts, then that would be the right time to contact a crisis team even if you think you would "probably" be OK.

Keep safe - Soup

[manicminer]

After a night of manic drunkeness, my frat brother's mom, an gyno with psych training came to visit. Having known me for several years she could tell there was a difference in my behavior: talking fast, following her around, jumpy. She told me I should talk to someone, so I suggested the help line so she could be in on the convo. This let me open up and by the end of the convo, the dispatcher told her to get me to the ER. It saved my life.
My suggestion: ANY time is a good time

[BNLsMOM]

I would say that anytime you are questioning the need to call, you should call. I hope you feel better soon.

[GreenIvy]

I think any of the times you mentioned would be appropriate. Anytime you can't handle how you are feeling is a good time to call. Even if they can't help, they can hopefully give you other suggestions or other resources to try. They are not wasting their time or resources talking to you. Talking to you is the purpose of that crisis line. You are just as important as anyone else that calls and your reason for calling is also just as important. They are there to help you anytime you need it.

[SunAngel]

I think the reasons you listed are all valid reasons for calling them.

[lostbythesea]

call next time. ive been working w/ sp for 3 days now for severe depression

I struggle with figuring out the same thing. I sometimes downplay when I can't control myself because I know "it will go away soon" & just suck it up or knock myself out. I don't ever intend on killing myself, but I do think about that kind of stuff probably more than I should. It gets treacherous, but I don't think I could afford the possible hospital visit even if it were necessary. Mainly I wish I could go so the psychosis stops, but I couldn't bear being away from home in the hands of people who most likely don't even speak fluent English anyway. :/

[Flooded]

I went through this last night. My tdoc couldn't call me and I realized I had been "making plans" all day so that's when I called. I am so glad I did too.

Hi Secretum...I agree with the others that those are all appropriate times to call. There is another option that I don't think has been mentioned -- Warm Lines. I know we have one here in my state, and didn't know if they were elsewhere. Googled and turns out they are. It would only be appropriate in your third example of course. Something else to consider.

(Btw, I've bitten myself too --- in sheer rage. Not because I thought it would make me feel better....wasn't thinking at all, just completely out of control. Whatever the reason preceding it, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I was horrified after I 'came to' so to speak. I'd bitten very hard and it was obvious. I couldn't imagine that anyone would ever understand, and I felt like an animal and very alone.)

Hope your mixed episode sorts out soon. They suck.

[popeye]

Sorry you are feeling so bad...I would make the call....there were times when my wife had to call for me.

[Secretum]

Thanks everyone for your stories and advice. It made me feel less alone.

I'm doing better today mood-wise, though I still have a few physical symptoms. Hopefully this will last, but I'm not going to expect it. If my fears are realized and I find myself in a dark place again really soon, I'll call.

[sugahorse1]

Thanks for this question.
It's always been a hard one for me, and I've actually never used a crisis line nor my T. I post on PC. Sometimes I ought to get more direct help though.
If you think you need help, then you do