Summary

When calling a suicide hotline, individuals can expect a non-judgmental space to share their story, undergo a suicide risk assessment, focus on immediate safety and coping strategies, set achievable goals, and receive support tailored to their needs.

Abstract

Calling a suicide hotline connects individuals in crisis with a crisis counselor who provides a supportive environment to discuss current struggles. The counselor listens without judgment and assesses the caller's suicide risk through guided questions. The conversation centers on the present, aiming to ensure the caller's immediate safety and offering strategies to cope with overwhelming emotions. The session may conclude with setting small, achievable tasks to occupy the mind and provide a sense of accomplishment. The approach taken by the counselor is adaptable, recognizing the unique circumstances of each caller, and emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help as a crucial step towards improvement and future well-being.

Opinions

The crisis counselor's role is essential and can vary widely, from volunteer work to a full-time profession.
Establishing trust with the counselor can lead to unexpected relief as individuals open up about their feelings.
The process of assessing suicide risk is standard and occurs regardless of whether the caller has explicitly mentioned suicidal thoughts.
The focus on the present moment is intentional, as it allows for immediate action and safety planning without delving into past traumas.
Setting goals and tasks at the end of the call is a technique to redirect the brain's energy towards constructive activities, fostering a sense of achievement.
The effectiveness of the call and the level of attention received can vary, but taking the step to seek help is recognized as a significant and positive action towards recovery.

What to Expect When Calling a Suicide Hotline

Insights from a crisis counsellor.

The truth is, you never really know who you’re going to talk to when you call a suicide hotline.

You don’t know if they’re having a bad day, if they’re tired, or if it’s their first day on the job.

In that case, they might be stressed out of their minds.

As a side note, this structure may vary depending on your location. Sometimes, the crisis worker may be a volunteer, while other times it may be their full-time job.

However, there are a few things that you can expect:

1. Sharing Your Story

You’ll have the opportunity to explain what’s going on in your life.

The reassuring part is that the crisis counselor you’ll speak with will not be judgmental. They’ll listen carefully and kindly to understand your situation.

Though it may be difficult to open up at first, once trust is established, you’ll find yourself talking more than you anticipated.

Simply talking about your feelings can bring a sense of relief.

2. Assessment of Suicide Risk

The crisis counselor will ask you questions to evaluate the risk of suicide.

It’s an essential part of their role, guided by extensive scientific literature in suicide prevention.

Some questions might be challenging to answer, but it’s a safe space to discuss suicidal thoughts.

Even if you don’t mention them initially, the counselor will still ask these questions. Assessing suicide risk is crucial for their job, even in the absence of explicit suicidal thoughts.

3. Focus on the Present

Once the crisis worker understands your situation and assesses the suicide risk, they’ll aim to bring your focus back to the present moment.

Unlike psychologists, they won’t delve into your childhood memories to identify the root cause of your issues.

Their goal is to ensure your safety in the present.

While the past can’t be changed and the future can’t be predicted, actions can be taken in the present to move towards a better future.

4. Setting Goals

To conclude the call, the crisis worker will provide you with tasks to accomplish.

The brain thrives on tasks; when idle, it tends to ruminate endlessly.

By giving your brain tasks, it can channel its energy constructively. Upon completing these tasks, your brain will reward you with a sense of accomplishment.

It is important to note that the goal is not to achieve a sub-2-hour marathon. Instead, the aim is to complete light tasks that will make you feel better and enhance your day.

5. Adaptation to Your Needs

Depending on your situation, the structure of the call may vary.

The crisis counselor might suggest hospitalization, offer you ample time to express yourself, or, unfortunately, may not listen as attentively as you’d hoped.

There are many possibilities, but one thing is certain: by reaching out for help, you’ve taken a significant step. With perseverance, you’ll likely notice improvements in the future, whether in two weeks or five months.

Eventually, things will get better, and you’ll be proud of your progress.

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