Samaritans email support - problems?
 

I emailed the Samaritans on Sunday. Today is now Wednesday, and I've had no reply.
I know what I'm going through is difficult to respond to. But I've never had that problem before - someone's always responded by the next day. This is 3 days.

What am I doing wrong?

Yes, I have therapy during the week. But weekends are especially hard for me right now. And the weekend is approaching now.
I know I 'should' phone when I have a crisis. But I get phone anxiety. And it's not always possible as I flat share - privacy, phone line availability.

It was always a comfort knowing that a Samaritan would respond to me if I felt unable to cope in between my 'real life support'. But now... What to do?
There's a complaint form on their site. But maybe I'm being irrational in feeling hurt and annoyed. What do you think?

Maybe it didn't get through? that does sometimes happen with emails. Have you also checked the spam folder and your sent box to check it went? I guess they could have technical problems.

They do usually reply to every email and I'm certain) that they would NOT refuse to respond just because you're situaation is difficult - that's what they're there for!! Try again and I expect you will get an answer :)
xx

Maybe re send it?
I don't know. I haven't had a problem with mailing them before and they do normally reply in about a day at max.

Emails can get lost as well, or go to the wrong folder, maybe resend it and put a note that you didnt recive a reply?

hey, normally they reply within 24 hours regardless of the situation, so im sure there must be some explanation, maybe it didnt send or there was a technical problem? i know it must have been really hard not to here back when you felt that you didnt have anyone else to talk to, but dont give up on them or feel as if they gave up on you. Im sure it was a mistake, and ryl is always here for you, and you can always pm me if you want xxx

Check it sent, I have had trouble with sending them emails before, it wouldn't deliver. If it has you could just re-send it may just be a problem on their end. Whatever you emailed them with, they will have dealt with it before so that won't cause a delay

You can also send them a text.

Thanks everyone.

I did email them again yesterday evening, re-sending my original email, and a further explanation about my concerns etc.
So far no response, and, to be honest, I don't really hold out much hope.

I know its hard not getting a reply, you may get one later in the day, i guess they must get very busy.
Maybe look at other ways of contacting them in future. I think they have an IM service, or as someone else suggested if you have a mobile phone you can text them.
and you have this site as an added support system for the weekends.

I got a reply back.
I'm meant to have a reply within 48 hours.
I want to say, well, 3 days is much more than 48 hours.
But.
It sort of defeats the object, as you know how fast feelings can move.
But still.

Thanks. :)

thats really strange... i normally got a reply by the next day.

Perhaps they got a total flood of emails over that couple of days (it is exam season after all) and umm some people were off sick or something. I know it's not nice for you and that doesn't help but I'm sure it wasn't anything to do with them not wanting to respond to you or just being lazy. To be fair as well, three days isn't really much more than 48 hours - only by one day and I know how horrible it must have been for you in that time. I guess what I'm saying is don't stop using them if you feel you need to as chances are in future they will respond more quickly and it would be detrimental to let this one experience ruin your perception of the service they offer.

They put me on some plan where it's within 48 hours.
Which is sort of problematic as when my unsupported deepest distress can tend to be 'time limited' to weekends. Generally I don't totally completely 'lose it' when I'm in such deep distress. But it's still pretty tough. And last weekend I came close.
No, I won't not use them. I think maybe it's to kind of help me feel a safety net is there, even while I manage 'on my own'.
I guess I can talk about these worries with them.

Why don't you try texting them instead? I find they reply quicker than when you email them. 07725909090

Thing is I text very slow, and am very, well, wordy... Might be good if it's urgent at work though... Thanks. :)

It's okay. PM me if you ever wanna talk, I'm always around.
x

I have always found email a bit hit and miss, they also seem to just repeat what you have said, but in another way when they reply.

Phoning them has always been my preferred way of calling them and I know you have phone anxiety so could you call them up and say you have phone anxiety and Im sure they will be very patient with you (they were with me). Do you have any parks or more private places around your flat?

Not really. I live in suburbia!
Thanks though.