Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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amelah 07/23/2012

I've never called a suicide hotline before -- can you tell me what to expect if I do? I don't want to be hospitalized, but I feel like I'm at the end of my rope. Do they send the men in white coats and trace my call? Seriously. I've never had the courage to call one of those hotlines before. Do they only give you 2 minutes and tell you to go get a shrink if you need to talk more?

thanks.

deleted_user 07/23/2012

Hi Amelah,

The one here in Australia, Lifeline, is more of a counseling service. They have been willing to talk to me for as long as I needed to but my situation is that I just can't find a reason to want to live even though I wont comit suicide. It leaves me in a state of severe depression. The ones I've talked to here in australia have just been there to listen. I don't know what the situation would be if I really was suicidal though. My emotions are not to be trusted. At the moment I'm going through hell but I think it's just because I've moved and my emotions are trying to construct negative stories just as a way to vent my feelings based in instability. Hopefully when I feel more settled those thoughts of complete worthlessness and thoughts of really not wanting to be here will pass. I hope you feel better soon Amelah.

sweatingbullets 07/25/2012

It can be a crapshoot. Sometimes you might get a real caring person and other times you might get someone who gets off hearing how things aren't going well for you. Just like in life there are a healthy amount of a-holes...crisis lines are not immune. Don't hesitate to call since some people on those lines are golden...some should be pushed off an oceanliner but the a-holes are fewer than the quality people. When you call just say hi and tell them how you are feeling you will feel better after you do and if you get an a-hole don't give up since lines often have many volunteers. They will try to offer you suggestions about coping techniques which can be real useful.

noodlebg 07/25/2012

I hope you will take sweatingbullets advice....there is a measure of risk but please don't let that stop you....those phone lines are manned by a large number of people and if one is an arse, call back, odds are you will get someone else that does care.

At the least, I hope you will keep posting on the main depression board,
it has more activity than this one does.

amelah 07/27/2012

thank you for all your advice & support.

deleted_user 07/27/2012

For me they let me just talk as long as I need to. Some will ask me. Few questions but that's about it, I always feel better after.

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