Called The Suicide Hotline Yesterday...

[hedgey]

I was bumping along the bottom yesterday afternoon. I'd asked my therapist and my psychiatrist about calling the hotline, because I was afraid that if I called, the men in white suits would be pounding on my door. They both assured me that it wouldn't happen.

So when I was feeling near the frizzy end of the rope, I gave in and called it. I'm glad to say that I'm still here and have not been carted off. The woman I spoke to was pretty supportive and made me feel better. She asked a lot of questions, but not my name. She offered to put in a consult for me, but when I hesitated, she just gave me the name of someone to call to help me find better treatment (she agreed that what I've been getting from the VA is inadequate... that by itself made me feel better).

So I just wanted to tell anyone here who has considered calling but was afraid to that they ought to give it a try. I know they got my phone number from the caller ID, but I really don't thing they want to send anyone to the funny farm unless it's a case of imminent harm.

I felt like I was able to call and just cry, and get some things off my chest, and relieve some tension. Knowing that I can do it again if I need to helps a lot.

Best wishes, everyone.

[jerrbilly]

Hedge, I had a similar situation as yours. I called once and was basically counseled and after words I felt a lot better.

I actually felt better than I did after my psych appointments. These people on the other end are good, real good at what they do.

Boredom is a depression kicker for me and being able to talk to someone understanding made all the difference.

Jerr

I was bumping along the bottom yesterday afternoon. I'd asked my therapist and my psychiatrist about calling the hotline, because I was afraid that if I called, the men in white suits would be pounding on my door. They both assured me that it wouldn't happen.

So when I was feeling near the frizzy end of the rope, I gave in and called it. I'm glad to say that I'm still here and have not been carted off. The woman I spoke to was pretty supportive and made me feel better. She asked a lot of questions, but not my name. She offered to put in a consult for me, but when I hesitated, she just gave me the name of someone to call to help me find better treatment (she agreed that what I've been getting from the VA is inadequate... that by itself made me feel better).

So I just wanted to tell anyone here who has considered calling but was afraid to that they ought to give it a try. I know they got my phone number from the caller ID, but I really don't thing they want to send anyone to the funny farm unless it's a case of imminent harm.

I felt like I was able to call and just cry, and get some things off my chest, and relieve some tension. Knowing that I can do it again if I need to helps a lot.

Best wishes, everyone.

[carlie]

They also have an on line chat program.

Maybe someone will post the link.

carlie

[runnenbare]

http:suicidepreventionlifeline.org/vetrans/defalt.asps This is the link if I didn't miss type it.

[Taz]

Hedge, I had a similar situation as yours. I called once and was basically counseled and after words I felt a lot better.

I actually felt better than I did after my psych appointments. These people on the other end are good, real good at what they do.

Boredom is a depression kicker for me and being able to talk to someone understanding made all the difference.

Jerr

Hi , this is Taz, Vietnam Vet, 3rd Batt., 1st Marines, 1st MarDiv 70-72. I called the line also, i,d been calling my psy

ch to schedule appt., left messages and no one got back to me. By calling the hotline I got a response, appt., and found that my doctor would be retiring soon. What a lame excuse to not help but thanks to that call with someone who cared I hope that i,ll be taken care of even though the VA says I don,t have PTSD and won,t treat me for it with all the proof I have of being in Nam. They figure that unless you,ve had a combat experience you don,t qualify even though you were in country. Good move on your behalf! Keep going Jerr.

[hedgey]

Yeah, Taz, that was the thing that was really driving me. I call the therapist, but she's so swamped that she can't get back to me. And I just found out that she's leaving, just got off the phone with the clinic. I'll get to see her one more time, then I'll be seeing some new guy.

I can't say enough about the lady on the phone. I might give the chat line a try. Switching therapists again. This will make my 6th new therapist this year. :( :(

[Pete53]

Suicide is not the answer. Depression is the great deceiver and sometimes it looks like its a convenient way to end pain and suffering but I assure you that it only causes a lot more.

I know how hard it is on families I just buried my brother Mike on January 2nd who killed himself on Xamas Morning, It was a mistake and he left a lot of people grieving.

Whatever you think is wrong I promise you that if you can hang in for awhile things will change they always do.