What Happens When You Contact a Crisis Hotline?
By Michelle Lunger
When you are in crisis, you may be feeling overwhelmed, intimidated, or scared to reach out for help. For me, the worst feeling in the world is feeling like a burden. When contacting a crisis hotline, you are never a burden; people are trained to help you, comfort you, and support you. There is still such a stigma about contacting these hotlines. We are here to break down that stigma and let you know that asking for help will never hurt you. Asking for help is a sign of strength and with that, comes acceptance and courage. It can be exhausting carrying so many feelings around. The people that work/volunteer at these hotlines are meant to be there for you so that you don’t have to carry those feelings on your own. Although we are not licensed medical professionals, we also want you to know that we are here for you and if needed, we will help you take that first step to get the help you are looking for.
Who should contact a suicide hotline?
It is so important to note that you don’t have to necessarily be suicidal or in crisis to contact these hotlines. If you are struggling or just need emotional support anyone on the line would be more than happy to give you that support you need.
But, if you are in an immediate crisis, reach out to a hotline or a medical professional immediately. One conversation could change your life.
If you are calling for a friend or family member that is in crisis the hotline will walk you through your next steps and let you know if contacting emergency personnel is necessary.
What happens when you contact a hotline?
Particularly for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, upon calling you will get an automated message with options while they are contacting your local crisis center. Even though someone will not be on the phone right away, wait times are usually just a few minutes so you don’t have to worry about a long wait. The staff at your local crisis center will then know the best, closest, and easily accessible resources near you.
For Crisis Text Line, a trained crisis counselor will answer within minutes of your sent text to help you with any situation you are in and can provide you with local resources as well.
If in crisis, the counselor will help you come up with a safety plan which might include having a counselor visit you from the center, call a friend or family member, or tell you to call back later to check in.
Who answers the call?
A trained crisis worker will answer whether it is a volunteer, professional or staff member. They all received the same training and will be there for you. They will make sure you feel safe and supported.
Will they immediately contact emergency services?
If you are in immediate danger and actively suicidal, it is possible that emergency personnel will be contacted. Emergency services will not be called right away unless you are in imminent danger.
Can they trace you?
There is no way for them to trace you unless you voluntarily provide identifiable information by choice.
Contacting a crisis or suicidal hotline should not hold as much stigma as it currently does. We have personally contacted a crisis hotline and realized that there is nothing to be ashamed of. We felt like it provided us with a safe and non-judgemental space to talk. The people answering the hotline are trained and ready to care for you and support you. With that said, if you or a friend are in crisis, suicidal, or just need emotional support please contact a crisis hotline or medical professional. Remember, you don’t need to carry the weight of the world on your own. Ask for help because it’s not all yours to carry.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Or text HOME to Crisis Text Line at 741741
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinekee/what-happens-when-you-call-suicide-hotline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
https://www.healthyplace.com/suicide/suicide-hotline-what-happens-when-you-call
https://www.activeminds.org/blog/what-really-happens-when-you-reach-out-to-crisis-lines/
