Anonymous
05/18/2021 15:20
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Is it anonymous? Do they record you and can they track/follow up with you. What if you don't want them to but just want someone to cry to.
I also volunteer answering a suicide hotline.
We can see the phone number that you call from and sometimes ask for your first name, but we're not reporting this information out anywhere. Almost half of the callers that I talk to are not suicidal and just want someone to listen, so please do call if you need to talk. Since we know your phone number, we can call you back but that's only done in the most urgent of circumstances (like if I hear a crash in the background and the call suddenly ends, I will call you back immediately to see if you need help sent your way. But never like the next day or anything like that)
I answered at a hotline and this is my experience too. The vast majority of people calling are not suicidal in that moment, although they may have suicidal ideation in general. Most want someone to talk to, to listen to them, and to validate them. Most would probably benefit from therapy if they could afford it and there was no stigma.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 15:08
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
I've called a few times over the years, OP. I didn't have a plan of action or anything, but I felt like I was in serious crisis and just needed an ear. I'm forever grateful. I can tell you that I did not feel like I felt then forever. I am glad I stuck around. Please stick around.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 14:22
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
Like others have said, as long as you don’t answer yes to their red flag questions (planning imminent action) they will let you stay anonymous. I used a Google Voice number for extra anonymity when I called. The person I talked to actually said many upsetting things (she said she was new, and she sounded VERY young) but just having someone listen and being able to let out everything secret helped. I got through, you will too. Remember people love you and need you to hang on. Praying for you, OP. Come back here if you need to get something out (or call the hotline).
Anonymous
05/18/2021 13:11
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
My teen called and told the person she was going to jump off our roof (which she has done before—it’s like a ten foot drop and she takes parkour) and they sent police cars to our house that insisted on taking her to the ER. She hung up when she realized that was going to happen and was very surprised that they could find her address and location even though she had used a fake name. They gave out the hotline number at school.
So I think they call 911 if you state any sort of self harm plan.
So I think they call 911 if you state any sort of self harm plan.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 12:50
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
I've wanted to call a hotline myself but don't because on reddit I've read too many stories where they called the police to your house for a welfare check. NO thanks. It should be 100% anonymous.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 12:46
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
I worked on a crisis hotline about 30 years ago so my information is not the most current, but our training was heavy on listening and on assessing the danger of the caller's situation.
You don't have to be calling saying that you need to be talked out of suicide in the next 10 minutes--but it is also there if you do need that.
If you need to vent, a crisis hotline is a great place to do it. Don't deny yourself that if you need it.
You don't have to be calling saying that you need to be talked out of suicide in the next 10 minutes--but it is also there if you do need that.
If you need to vent, a crisis hotline is a great place to do it. Don't deny yourself that if you need it.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 12:32
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
Anonymous wrote:Is it anonymous? Do they record you and can they track/follow up with you. What if you don't want them to but just want someone to cry to.
I also volunteer answering a suicide hotline.
We can see the phone number that you call from and sometimes ask for your first name, but we're not reporting this information out anywhere. Almost half of the callers that I talk to are not suicidal and just want someone to listen, so please do call if you need to talk. Since we know your phone number, we can call you back but that's only done in the most urgent of circumstances (like if I hear a crash in the background and the call suddenly ends, I will call you back immediately to see if you need help sent your way. But never like the next day or anything like that)
Anonymous
05/18/2021 12:30
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Thank you both. No imminent danger to others. As for myself, I am day drinking, but it is better than the alternative. Really shitty day. Really hard. But I will be OK.
Yes, you will, OP! Remember, you have survived very other bad day you've had in your life, and you're still there. I'm sorry you are feeling so low. When I'm there, it helps me to remember all the times I've pulled myself out of that hole and how strong I am. You are strong too!
I very much appreciate your truthful reminder. I have tears in my eyes, everyone's thoughtfulness is so meaningful to me. Thank you all again.
You will get through this. You will find the help and the meds you need. It will get better. I promise.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 12:06
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
Anonymous wrote:I volunteer with the crisis text line which I assume is similar. For it the goal is
1) help you identify strategies to find a place of calm when you're most distraught
2) help you develop a plan to access longer term help / support
3) if you are in imminent danger of suicide (intention and means to do within 24 hours) deescalate that situation (remove pill bottle from room, put gun away etc)
4) escalate to emergency services ONLY if there is permission. with nature of text there is no way to escalate without someone providing an address
I volunteer with the suicide hotline, and this is it exactly. We do have caller ID so will know your phone number, but we mostly use that for purposes of keeping track of if you call more than once, so that we can see a record of what you talked about previous times so you don't have to repeat yourself.
We are also mandatory reporters if you disclose child abuse, but without knowing your name or address, those reports don't go anywhere.
Anonymous
05/18/2021 12:06
Subject: What happens when you call a suicide hotline?
Life is like a radio station, if you dont like the song playing just wait 3 minutes. And if you dont like enough in a row, change the station, dont turn off the radio!
You may simply have undiagnosed depression, your family doctor can help you with that! The last year has been hard on a lot of people, and you are no exception. (I personally have kind of thrived, I'm in the extreme minority I think. Then again, I take 5mg of escitalopram every day.)
You may simply have undiagnosed depression, your family doctor can help you with that! The last year has been hard on a lot of people, and you are no exception. (I personally have kind of thrived, I'm in the extreme minority I think. Then again, I take 5mg of escitalopram every day.)