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Has anyone called these before? What's it like? Thanks.

anoncoward111 8y ago
I don't know if I've ever called any of these, but they usually are well trained, non-confrontational, and solely there to help. Many are volunteers who greatly desire to be there. Additionally, if your thoughts are affected by a medical condition, I would suggest calling a nurse hotline through a health insurance company or university. They can often confirm or deny if you should seek emergency care ASAP.
616c 8y ago
I used to volunteer at one. Its part of a national network. Ask away.
- nerdy 8y ago
  What's the best way to encourage someone to call when they're showing outward signs of depression but you don't know them? I saw someone who was very clearly depressed streaming the other day. They weren't responding to chat. Crying. Fetal position on the floor for 7+ hours. Very depressing social media posts, etc. But I did not know this person. I did encourage them to call, however it was a difficult message to compose. You don't want to make them feel like they're a burden or weak ("call if you need someone") and some people may need encouragement to actually pick up the phone. So in a situation with a stranger online, who may not see or respond to your message, what would you say?
  - calvinbhai 8y ago
    I think this is where social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) should allow friends to suggest anonymously to contact such a helpline (probably show it as an ad/post). Any other way would be considered judgmental/confrontational by the one who is already suffering. An inanimate / non-human thing like facebook suggesting to contact the local helpline may be very very effective in such cases.
_spoonman 8y ago
Contact info is in profile if you need to reach out. Not a counselor, but have ears (eyes).
- throwaway435388 8y ago
  Thank you
thebigspacefuck 8y ago
I called one because my Facebook friend said he was going to kill himself. They found his address and sent someone to check on him. No idea if he was home at the time or was even serious, but I'm pretty sure he's still alive.
deleted 8y ago
[deleted]
bridanp 8y ago
Without saying the same as others, they are there to listen for the most part. A lot of the times, that's what someone under stress and who might be considering taking action needs. What a lot of people don't understand is that a friend who might be considering suicide doesn't need to be "fixed", or to be given a bunch of quick solutions, or worse to be told "just get over it". What they need is someone who is willing to listen without passing judgement. And if necessary, to provide that friend guidance in getting to a safe place where those with experience can provide care. For disclosure, I am not a trained counselor. I've had various, very short, training sessions for several close friends and relatives so that I would know what to do, and more importantly what not to do or what not to say.

I don't know if I've ever called any of these, but they usually are well trained, non-confrontational, and solely there to help. Many are volunteers who greatly desire to be there. Additionally, if your thoughts are affected by a medical condition, I would suggest calling a nurse hotline through a health insurance company or university. They can often confirm or deny if you should seek emergency care ASAP.

616c 8y ago

I used to volunteer at one. Its part of a national network. Ask away.

nerdy 8y ago
What's the best way to encourage someone to call when they're showing outward signs of depression but you don't know them? I saw someone who was very clearly depressed streaming the other day. They weren't responding to chat. Crying. Fetal position on the floor for 7+ hours. Very depressing social media posts, etc. But I did not know this person. I did encourage them to call, however it was a difficult message to compose. You don't want to make them feel like they're a burden or weak ("call if you need someone") and some people may need encouragement to actually pick up the phone. So in a situation with a stranger online, who may not see or respond to your message, what would you say?
- calvinbhai 8y ago
  I think this is where social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat) should allow friends to suggest anonymously to contact such a helpline (probably show it as an ad/post). Any other way would be considered judgmental/confrontational by the one who is already suffering. An inanimate / non-human thing like facebook suggesting to contact the local helpline may be very very effective in such cases.

_spoonman 8y ago

Contact info is in profile if you need to reach out. Not a counselor, but have ears (eyes).

throwaway435388 8y ago
Thank you

thebigspacefuck 8y ago

I called one because my Facebook friend said he was going to kill himself. They found his address and sent someone to check on him. No idea if he was home at the time or was even serious, but I'm pretty sure he's still alive.

deleted 8y ago

[deleted]

bridanp 8y ago

Without saying the same as others, they are there to listen for the most part. A lot of the times, that's what someone under stress and who might be considering taking action needs. What a lot of people don't understand is that a friend who might be considering suicide doesn't need to be "fixed", or to be given a bunch of quick solutions, or worse to be told "just get over it". What they need is someone who is willing to listen without passing judgement. And if necessary, to provide that friend guidance in getting to a safe place where those with experience can provide care. For disclosure, I am not a trained counselor. I've had various, very short, training sessions for several close friends and relatives so that I would know what to do, and more importantly what not to do or what not to say.