Posted by Fi on July 12, 2002, at 7:58:08
In reply to Suicide hotline should change their response....., posted by Gabbi on July 11, 2002, at 0:01:46
I've called the Samaritans a few times over the years. One thing I hadnt anticipated was that it was difficult to get thru on a couple of them- had to ring several times. Tho that was before they got their national phone service- dont know what its like now.
They were good listeners, tho they varied (one seemed to be keen to encourage me to have a cup of tea and a chat- particularly stressing the tea!) One was really great, and completely defused my feeling of tension and made me feel understood and supported.
I'm posting as I want people to know they can be helpful, tho from the other posts here obviously not always! They also have more training than a phone operator, and (the Samaritans at least) would not call in the cavalry without your consent. Tho I realise this is controversial in itself.
There are links to them (they do email enquiries too) and other hotlines/helplines in the coping with crisis tips at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-tips/links/Coping_with_crisis_001012507973
Fi
poster:Fi
thread:26219
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020629/msgs/26279.html