Discussion Calling the suicide hotline right before I CTB

[HGL91]

I think that volunteers from the suicide hotline just do it to put it on their resume as they strive for a career in psychology, so it's really about their own goals; not helping people.

 

[komm susser todd]

Like calling the mall security right before attempting to shop lift

Why?

 

[Arbie]

Fear and reluctance are normal. I don't think that it's as clear cut as being ready or not being ready. I don't think you should classify yourself as weak or an idiot because your not following someone else's "idea" of what is appropriate or not.
THIS IS YOUR LIFE, AND YOUR DECISION! Do it however you want to do it, in the time frame you want to do it.
Your saying "CTB might not be right for you". Why? Because he wants to talk to someone who might make him feel like he matters? I disagree... do whatever makes your transition the most comfortable for you.

 

[RM5998]

I'd suggest not saying anything incriminating. As tempting as it might be to share your thoughts with someone at that moment, it isn't worth the risk of having someone interrupt your attempt, which is even more of a concern given your method's low reliability.

However, don't think of yourself as weak for thinking this way. The idea that you need to be absolutely resolute and confident before you CTB is bullshit. We all make choices we are unsure about throughout our lives, and a significant number of them are as irreversible as suicide. You should take all the time you need, and do whatever helps you be comfortable with whatever you do. Whether you end up choosing life or death is irrelevant, all that matters is you being as comfortable as possible with it.

 

[phoenixx]

I wouldn't recommend it as most hotlines will contact the police if you talk about ending it. The one hotline I know wouldn't do that though is the Samaritans in the UK, they are unable to do anything unless you tell them the exact place you are. I've read that on a number of occasions they have talked to people during their suicide and stay on the phone as they die. They can't/won't do anything about it unless you give them all your info (including location). So if you really wan't to call a hotline before ctb, maybe even if its just so you're not alone as you do it, then the only hotline you can really call without risk is the Samaritans (in the UK, unsure what they are like elsewhere).

 

[Arbie]

As I mentioned before, I did this. I've been suicidal for 25 years, and have never called the hotlines....you have to remember, this was during the 80's and 90's...a whole different attitude believe it or not.
I called last September. It wasn't anything like I thought it would be.
Unless you just say "I think tonight is the night, and this is how I'm going to do it"...no one is going to call the cops on you.
1) they are not going to let you dwell on anything that puts you further in the mood, they are trained to guide the conversation.
2) they are not going to engage valuable resources i.e. police, fire, ambulance unless they feel pretty certain your getting ready to act.
3) they genuinely do want to hear what you have to say...and sometimes that's enough to change your mind.

Always think every action/reaction out thoroughly. What is the deeper reasoning behind you thinking about calling for help? You know it's a hotline, you know what their jobs are.
Hang in there brother, time ain't nothing but a thing.

 

[Tortured_empath]

SS is the only true support.

"Not a cult."