Experiences Calling Help Lines

[popsicle]

Does anybody have experience with calling help lines for suicidal thoughts and similar stuff? I think it would probably be helpful to me, but I'm really nervous about it. I'm afraid of talking to new people, so the idea of calling a stranger and venting to them is scary and weird to me. I guess it's not too different from RYL, but something about talking to them on the phone and then never being able to contact the same person again makes anxious. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

[ChocolateMarvel]

I called Samaritans once when I was having a proper awful time and they were good. In that when I called I was hysterical and when I got off the phone I wasn't! :/

You can also email Samaritans so it might be worth trying that also sometimes? Might help you get a feel for what they are like/might say!

[metal_fiddler]

Helplines can be really useful. The people on the ones i have called in the past have always been extremely empathetic and helpful.

[crazykat]

I've always found helplines to be pretty helpful. The people are generally really kind and understanding. I think you should give one a call.

[hellohefalump]

You know, you can email the supporters on here:
support@recoveryourlife.com

[popsicle]

Thank you for the advice everyone. I think I feel a little more comfortable calling now.
@hellohefalump - I've actually never heard of the supporters D: I will probably use them.

[Red Riding Hood]

I'm glad you feel more comfortable considering calling them :)

I just wanted to let you know that I have called them a lot in my lifetime. Sometimes I'm on the verge of suicide, othertimes I'm just really sad and need to talk to someone, and in both extremes they've been amazing, and it's been so helpful to verbalise my thoughts and hear someone understanding on the other end of the phone.

Sometimes you can get their name and ask if you can speak to the same person again, not all services allow or organise this but some may.

Personally, I enjoy getting a new perspective each time I call. But they're always so listening, and it's a very validating experience.

The supporters here are great, too. You have the added bonus of knowing they have experienced similar feelings to you.

Hope you're able to reach out when you feel you need too.
x

[Ellyx]

I find they have really helped me though some hard times. Especially childline and samaritans

[Poppet6]

I have always found Samaritans very helpful and understanding, although they can't offer advice they're usually very empathetic and caring.

[stumpy]

I have previously phoned the Samaritans & C.A.L.L (Community Advice & Listening Line), my experiences were very different, I just wanted to talk about why I felt Suicidal they wanted to know what they could do as a practical measure to stop me feeling that way, my answer nothing, they told me to pull myself together & stop being so silly, that made me feel a lot worse, I've never bothered since then, I've found other services more helpful & friendly like Serco the company that manages my Curfew tag, the police non emergency line 101 here is good & I've had some really nice officers who have been really nice, understanding & helpful. Also the Prescription Advice Line are great too as are NHS Direct