Have you ever called a Crisis Line?

No problem, I'm the forum worry wart, over our people Like the old lady who lived in the shoe

No I should have thought to include the quote

The important thing is you are good Makes me

I think you do a good job

((((hugs)))

don't worry,

we've all done that

and i've had moments where I forgot the trigger code too

(but now I try to remember them both when needed)

I think you do a good job here too ((((((( Trace ))))))))

I’ve called a very few times, i wasn’t glad i called any of those times, and one of the times the response was judgemental and patronising

So sorry Fuzzy, do you have a list of crisis lines where you live or is it just one line?

I think there are a couple or a few, I haven’t heard great reports about them though I don’t think. I think someone said emailing one of them was ok

Hoping you don't have to call them again but if you do maybe email would be a good option then.

I know this post is a few months old, but I called a crisis line twice. I did feel guilty for calling. The first time it was very helpful, and she even called me the next day to follow up on how I was feeling which made me feel a lot better. The second time I felt rushed and there was no follow up but it was also right before Christmas so maybe that played a part. A third time the crisis team was involved because my primary doctor called them. They wanted me to go to the hospital, but when I didn't want to because I had to pick up my kids in a couple of hours, they came to my house which was seemed really above and beyond for me.

i am grateful it is there and sometimes I feel like I want that kind of support much more often than I actually reach out for it. But a little voice in my head tells me not to call because someone else might need it more and I don't want to become a bother to them more than I've already been. But I still wonder if it would be okay if I used it more. I don't really know.

Yes I used the chat line a few times a week about 2 years ago. I had to use them again New Years Eve.

Yeah I've called a crisis line a couple time. I feel guilty every time. But I do it cause I figure it's there to help me so I don't end up in the hospital.

I called the crisis line to my clinic before I was admitted to IP. I was having SI thoughts and ended up needed immediate help. Which was kinda scary at the time but I just accepted the help and went on with it. I had to call 911 to come get me, which honestly was the scariest part because I'm not good with people of authority. The crisis line people were really nice and helpful from what I remember.

Cool thread topic.

I have called distress lines thousands of times in the past few years. They have kept me alive. Just like all things, there are good and bad experiences. In the beginning I was unsure what to expect with crisis lines and felt ashamed and guilty for calling in, however, the people working the lines were quick to help with those feelings, reassuring me that the purpose of a distress line is to call for help. I found it really cool getting to know so many different personalities on distress lines and it made me feel less alone. Something to be said about anonymity and talking over the phone versus in person. It can be an added layer of boundaries that makes it easier to talk about certain themes and topics that otherwise may not be possible in normal social settings.

I have learned a lot about distress lines in the thousands of calls that I have made. I have learned that many people should not be working on distress lines. They have harmed me severely a numerous amount of times; invalidation, re-traumatization, triggering me and then invalidating my anger and hanging up! Blocking my phone calls when I try to call back for closure. Telling me my trauma never happened! Putting me down and making me feel deep shame for calling in! Each distress line has their own policies and mandates which severely take away from the principle of what a distress line is at the core. Some are funded purely on research and statistics, and so there are mandatory questionnaires and policies they must follow. Some have a ridiculous definition of what is and what is not "crisis," and even then, each person on the line has their own concept of what is crisis and will hang up on you if you are not meeting the signs of what they think is crisis. The idea here is to clear up the lines for, "people in real crisis," which is absolutely, unbelievably painful to hear especially when you call in for help and make yourself so vulnerable. There are some lines that only allow you to talk about an issue ONCE! I had a major issue with this and took it up with the Director of the organization, asking how they can ever expect someone to adhere to that when mental health issues surely do not disappear after talking about them once. (Ex: Trauma, Intrusive Memories, Depression, etc) Some lines record your calls without tell you. They do this for liability reasons in case they have to call the ambulances or police on you. Some people have absolutely no ability to empathize and are quick to judge with next to zero knowledge or understanding about mental illness. Unfortunately these types of people work on distress lines for the sole purpose of gaining enough volunteering experience to seek out a job in an unrelated profession.

Anyways, I could go on for a long time. I find that distress lines are highly unregulated and some are horrendous. Call around until you find one that you feel is good. Do not settle for invalidation or emotional abuse.

Thanks,
HD7970ghz