The IOP I go to has it's own number to call in emergencies and last week I got **** for not calling it when I was thinking about suicide. Today has been hard in terms of suicidal ideations but I'm scared to call because I feel like I'm not bad enough. I don't have a concrete plan, but I've been brainstorming. I also don't want to call and them tell me to go to the hospital because I know I'm not that bad yet.
So at what point do I call them?

Oh, I should probably mention that the number goes to either the counselor that runs the place or the psychiatrist that works there who both know me and what I deal with pretty well.

[Victoria'smom]

I've never called a hotline. So I don't know but if you got **** last week I'd call.

[NoIdeaWhatToDo]

I haven't used a hotline either, but if the ideation is there and you're brainstorming, even if it's not concrete, I would call. Since either of the 2 who would answer know you and how you operate, they should be a pretty good judge of the severity of your situation.

Also, you don't want to wait until you're 'bad enough' and risk not calling at that point.

[Blaire]

I don't know either. I grapple with this question too because I have a lot of suicidal thoughts when I'm depressed, but most of them aren't serious, they just go through my mind. I've only acted on them when I was drinking, and I'm sober now so a lot safer. So I don't know, I'm curious to hear what other people think about this too.

[raspberrytorte]

I think you should call, escape. You have nothing to lose and you'd have someone to talk to.

I don't know. I haven't called yet. I think I'll be safe.

I know this may not be a popular answer, but...

When I'm depressed, I almost always get suicidal thoughts. I start thinking about ways I'm going to kill myself, but...I never act on those thoughts... mostly because I'm too scared and becaus I never come up with a specific "plan"

In my opinion, it's perfectly "normal" to have suicidal thoughts... Most therapists and pdocs won't try to commit you just because you have suicidal thoughts. They know the difference between "not wanting to exist" and "I'm about to jump off a bridge". But, of course they're going to recommend that you consider the ER to be safe

So... I dunno... You know yourself better than anyone else. If you're afraid of yourself, go to the ER. If these suicidal thoughts are just passing thoughts, then you might be fine. But, it can't hurt to go to the ER. It's the safe thing to do if you're unsure

Wow. I finally mustered up the strength to call and they don't call back

[Victoria'smom]

I'm so sorry. Hopefully they'll get back to you soon.

[st0psign]

I never call when I should. because in the heat of it I don't think i'm that bad that I need to. and its never on the top of my mind

[pppp3]

IMO, based on my very 1st call to a suicide hotline, 2 weeks ago (5/12/16), I think it would be best (if you have someone), you know and trust (friend, family member, doctor, therapist, etc.) to call them first.

I have learned, and fully understand, that not only are these hotlines not equipped to provide the ongoing care (we require), but their primary focus is to DIRECT you to someplace you can get care.

If you're minutes away from suicide, by all means call a hotline if you are unable to call 911, or get to an emergency room...
But if the suicidal thoughts are more chronic (days, weeks, no specific plan ready to go),
I think somebody you know and trust, is always the best choice.

I personally do not have anybody like that, which is why I called a hotline (I found in google results) on that dreaded day 2 weeks ago.

But if I did have someone, or if I had insurance or money for some other type of private help, I would choose that before a hotline.

For the record, I do have a brother I'm very close with, but whenever I've told him (phone, in person, emailed, texted etc.), that I want to be dead, he just tells me to "snap-out-of-it" and "move-on" or "fix" my life.

Obviously I can't (fix my desire or reasons for wanting to be dead), or I would have already, and would not be here discussing the topic right now.

Good Luck and I hope we all get the help we need.

Life can be beautiful and wonderful;
A shame I (and likely many of you too) are unable to feel that joy and beauty anymore.
Can we? Probably, yes.
Will we? IDK, but I suppose it's up to each individual to decide and try to do whatever they feel most comfortable with. And/or Hope for a miracle while we are contemplating our options