[ariesmars]

has anyone ever called one, what can i expect if/when i call to talk. a person i know called the hospital crisis line, but they were rude and not helpful, made the person even worse.

[Puffyprue]

yes i have had called crisis line and i think i was lucky coz they are very helpful and listening its really depend on which crisis line that you called
i think in hospital they are usually too busy to care about things like that which is sad

are you okay??iam here iof you need to talk

[Rohag]

Ariesmars, I've only called a crisis line once, back in late 2009. It was not the US National crisis line, 1-800-273-TALK (8255); I called the on-call nurse at a semi-local hospital.

The nurse was polite, and she asked me a few questions about how I was feeling. Even though I didn't have a "plan," she thought it best I try to get into the hospital, which was over a half-hour away. On arrival (I was driven; I no longer drive), I discovered I had misunderstood the nurse's directions in my distress and panic. We would have had to drive another half hour to the proper facility in order to be admitted and then transported to the hospital we were already sitting outside of.

Fortunately, before leaving I had taken one of my old, powerful "take as needed" meds, and at that point I no longer cared about anything. We came back to the house.

Both the nurse who had taken my call and my psychiatrist -- who I hadn't informed -- called me the next day to check on me. I had no problem with the people I actually spoke to, but the hospital arrangements were...counterintuitive.

I hope someone who has called one of the national crisis lines will reply here.

((((((( Ariesmars! )))))))

This is was ages ago but I called The nhs hotline (National health service) and I told I was sucidal but then the nurse or person told me to get my mum on the phone. I didn't want to and it was night time and she was asleep. Then they got the ambulance to go to my house It wasn't good. My dad had to talk to them nicely and my mum started verbally abusing me and stuff I was young and I didn't understand the consequences of speaking suicidal to the person.

[danii24]

I have called them a few times and it did help me change my mind about how i was feeling at that point in time. Just someone to listen to you when ur so low is helpful.

They are sympathetic ive nvr experienced anyone being rude or ignorant to me and that kind of attitude shouldnt be tolerated. A vunerable person is going to be feeling awful as it is and that attitude would have sent me completely over the edge.

I found them very willing to listen. If you feel the need to ring one id urge you to do so. They are here to help to you use the service if you feel you need to

[Xeneon]

I have called one but they where really helpful. If they think that a person is need to come in one on one with them. They will incourage them to do so but they can't force you to do anything unless they think you are going to hurt yourself. Mine was nice, she didn't blow things out of wack. I hope if you do, it goes well. Be safe and take care!!!

[ariesmars]

oh geez, now im scared. if i need to call i dont want police or ambulance to come, and i dont want to go to inpatient, i just want a person to call when i feel like ending my life, the threat of them coming to get me would make me do it because, like cops and robbers . "your not taking me alive". i was inpatient after car accident and it was NOT helpful to me, everything i did was fake just to get out of there.

[Rohag]

Originally Posted by ariesmars

i was inpatient after car accident and it was NOT helpful to me...

If you do call a crisis line, tell them this immediately so they know the "threat" of inpatient care will only make you worse.

[Wysteria]

I've used the suicide hotlines a few times with mixed results. Sometimes they are gracious and kind and just having a "live" person to talk to can help..a little..just to get throught the moment or until I can get to help..sometimes they just frustrate...the samaritans took over a day to respond and by then I was already in trouble. But they let you know that when you write to them....

Recently there was an article here on PC as to a list of 'online' only suicide resources. This might also be good for people/teenagers/etc. afraid of having someone 'see' the 800 numbers or whatever appear on phone bills. The links are:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/07/31/lifesaving-list/

it came from:

http://unsuicide.wikispaces.com/

They have also recently opened up an online/video/mic talk to a therapist live service at Supportgroups.com. I had to use it recently for severe depression and crisis counseling at midnight...she was a PhD and incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and was able to get right to the heart of the problem and provide counseling and relief within probably 10 minutes and she was a professional and not just a trained volunteer. You have to PAY for the service though.. You can determine the amount of time and by price of therapist, sort of... You can use PayPal or whatever. But for me, it was worth it. My regular therapist was out of town....and I knew I was in big trouble...

I don't know if it is innappropriate to talk about other sites or whatever, but I just thought I'd put these out here as possible alternatives that have kind of worked for me...I will not call my pdoc in the middle of the night and often am just not thinking clearly enough to know what to do...and am scared...whatever. Maybe they will work for you too...

Respectfully,
Wysteria Blue

Hi Wysteria, I've ne'er had to "write" to the Samaritans. They are a NYC phone number you call. They answer immediately. If the line's busy, you keep calling-someone always picks up.

I've been talking to them for several years now. I'm a bit confused by your experience with them.

The Samaritans do not speak religion, and only listen to you. They will validate your feelings, and they will ask you if you have any intentions of hurting yourself or others; they do not act on this. It is a free call to reach out into the cosmos and just have someone listen to you.

212-673-3000---------------------(((ariesmars)))--------pax--theo

[Wysteria]

Originally Posted by theodora

Hi Wysteria, I've ne'er had to "write" to the Samaritans. They are a NYC phone number you call. They answer immediately. If the line's busy, you keep calling-someone always picks up.

I've been talking to them for several years now. I'm a bit confused by your experience with them.

The Samaritans do not speak religion, and only listen to you. They will validate your feelings, and they will ask you if you have any intentions of hurting yourself or others; they do not act on this. It is a free call to reach out into the cosmos and just have someone listen to you.

212-673-3000---------------------(((ariesmars)))--------pax--theo

Thanks Theo...
I had used the online contact where you email them...I did not mean to disparage them...their response was good. Just to late to help me that time. I'm sure the phone number and personal contact would have been a much better option. I have heard wonderful things about them and that is why I reached out to them... Thank you so much for responding and clarifying and correcting me. I appreciate you and the information!

Respectfully,
Wysteria Blue

[stillme]

I called yesterday. The first lady listened and was supportive. I was in really bad shape. She referred my to a local nuber that was supposed to be a center I could go to. I called that number. Turns out it was just another call center but the man was very good. I was able to pull it together. I called because my efforts to find a psychiarist are failing. Everyone is booked until sept. I don't think I can wait that long. This morning I woke up crying and tried to find somewhere to go. No luck, so I finally asked about the 10th person, what do yyou do if the person is in need of immediate assistance. She said go to the hospital.