Read on Twitter
Seen a lot of people posting suicide hotline info, which is great. Want to take it a step further here...
I think for a lot of people in that spot, it can seem like a scary/weird option. I promise you it’s not. Just wanted to quickly share my experience with them... (thread, CW)
I think for a lot of people in that spot, it can seem like a scary/weird option. I promise you it’s not. Just wanted to quickly share my experience with them... (thread, CW)
I think I’ve called three times. I tend to not remember a lot of severe depressive episodes so memories around them can be very hazy. But all had two things in common: I was actively suicidal, and alone.
You call them up, and they direct your call to a local crisis center. You probably won’t wait long. It’s unscripted. They’ll ask you some questions, but for the most part, it’s an open conversation. You can kind of just let loose, nonjudgementally.
Outside intervention was never brought up: you don’t have to worry about these folks calling EMTs on you (YMMV though if you tell them you’ve already taken steps)
They’ll stay on the phone with you as long as you need. You can vent. They’ll offer local resources. Most importantly, they’ll listen.
On at least one of these occasions, it very well could have saved my life. I was in a mixed episode and not thinking clearly. Calling that hotline was a Hail Mary. The person did a really tremendous job of de-escalating. Must’ve been on the phone for an hour.
It ended with me crying myself to sleep essentially. It didn’t fix all my problems, for sure, but it got me through that night, alone in a hotel.
Anyway, there’s help out there if you want it. It’s confidential, nobody has to know about it...
Anyway, there’s help out there if you want it. It’s confidential, nobody has to know about it...
A massive thank you to anyone and everyone who volunteers on those hotlines. I can’t imagine how hard it is, but I might not be here without you.
