Crisis hotlines? Have you ever called one?

[twirlgurl]

Those 800 numbers for crisis hotlines. Have you ever called them? do they help? WHat do they say different then friends would say?? And are the actually 100% anonymous like they say, or will they tell someone even if you ask them not too???

curious.

[SethfromMI]

well I never called one, but I have done research on them. first, whether they are paid or volunteers, they are trained to help people like you in the situation you are in. if it is suicide, they are specifically trained in suicide prevention and techniques to use when people call, unlike a friend who, although well intentioned, is not necessarily trained to handle it. and I think most of them are indeed anonymous, unless possibly they have a strong suspension you are in danger, in which case they may be able to contact emergency authorities in your area. but I do not know at what point they make that determination

[James Dean]

My cousin has helped out with them. She would help the people that call in. I did call the LGBT trevor project hotline just for some information on LGBT clubs and centers in my area because the one that was online wasn't correct and I was able to also get the right address and that was nice.

You call mostly if you are feeling depressed and suicidal. They basically act as someone who tries to calm down your depressive thoughts and get you out of any manic episodes you might be going through. Yes it is very anonymous if you don't pose a threat to yourself. If you are just going through temporary depression episodes then this is a good choice. But they will dig deeper into the situation if they have to. They will probably ask you from 1 to 10 what is the chance you might hurt yourself, If you say 9 or 10, then at that point they might transfer you to a professional on another line or service. They only want to help you and the number does help and save people.

[suzzysmith2012]

Yes. I was having a rough day a few years ago, I phoned from a pay phone (I was scared they'd trace the call) and talked to a nice lady on the other end. I felt better after.