Has anyone tried these mental health lines?

I think that the influence of big pharma in the past has not helped, as many of these things can induce inter-generational trauma as side effects of medication that can be genetic and can only manifest as mental health issues 2 or 3 generations later - my Mum had a very traumatic childhood from various sources, same with my Dad, who was younger than her, yet despite his own very harsh childhood upbringing, outlived her by several years in 2018 - Mum had severe post-natal depression after I was born in 1970 and developed other mental health issues as time went on, as she could not cope with life, but every GP she went to just prescribed her pills for every one of her mental health ailments without saying that she was “mad” and sending her to a mental health facility - she was mentally and emotionally unstable for most of her life, which caused my Dad’s own mental health struggles after his father and his brother died in quick succession, where he was twice admitted to mental hospitals, but Mum very quickly developed Alzheimer’s and passed whilst in a care home in 2009 - I believe that all of the big pharma medications given to her for decades caused her Alzheimer’s and prompted her early passing in 2009, ironically from sudden heart failure where it was reported that she had collapsed into a nurses arms in the care home and died in the ambulance from the care home to the hospital where the paramedics in the ambulance had to pull over to try to save her - Dad had a lot of both mental and physical health problems before his passing in the care home and it is reported that on the morning of his passing, he had taken to the bed, with no interest in his usual activities and passed that afternoon, at which point, as their only child, I was immediately informed here in the U.K. and had to make arrangements to travel to Rural Ireland at short notice 

I’ve never been in a crisis situation (Thank God) in modern times and that is perhaps because of my strong Catholic faith - it is scandalous that these organisations in our modern times are so chronically underfunded and frankly, it is because of the moral decline of our modern society since my childhood in the 1970’s in Rural Ireland and my teens in the 1980’s that people today, even in the post-Covid era are not being properly supported, which to me, even as an older and conservative-minded gay man with a moral compass, is very much an ethical and moral issue - I’m old enough to remember at first hand that before the modern language that was used to describe such issues, growing up as a Catholic in Rural Ireland and in the decades and centuries before that, when it came to mental health issues, one’s only avenue of support was via the local Catholic Parish Priest, including in the Confessional - I sometimes wonder if that was a better system as it had a better standard and quality of real support compared to what we have today, as state-based (and even private-based) forms of support are failing to properly support people with very real issues in our times, even though back then, it had spitritual references and focused on a person’s faith in God 

I'll be blunt here (will probably get flagged again), all the text services in my experience are absolutely terrible. I see below you said you heard Shout was typing like an AI, the ironic thing is you'd do better speaking to an AI opposed to using most the text services. Big toss up between if Shout and Calm are worse, but I want to say Calm because one time on there I genuinely said "can I have a few seconds to collect my thoughts" and they kicked me out. That said I once waited 3 hours on SHOUT for nothing. The Samaritans used to have a brilliant text service but sadly discontinued it, along with emails, I'll never fathom that one and like you, I live in a house with multiple people and talking on the phone genuinely is impossible. 

Samaritans sometimes (think I've seen it open once) have a text service open via web browser, I found that to be very good. What I like about Samaritans is that they tend to let you vent a bit before analysing the issue. Meanwhile Shout is like

Me : I am suicidal because I have autism and unmedicated ADHD

Shout : Have you tried finding a cure?

Some local NHS's have a "listening service" but in my opinion those aren't great either. I phoned it once with just one concern totally unrelated to treatment, within about 2 minutes the "listener" absolutely read me the riot act on what I can't ask, can't say, can't do etc. (usual stuff regarding NHS treatments, meds, appointments). I found her so rude I sheepishly put the phone down, in hindsight, her attitude was so bad I should have told her to "f off". I know that sounds extreme but I was made to feel very small and feel like a burden, stuff like that could tip someone over the edge.

Hub of Hope By Changing The Stigma: https://hubofhope.co.uk/ (Website)

The Silver Line - Helpline for older people (aged 55+): https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ or dial 0800 4 70 80 90

BBC Action Line - Information and Support - Mental Health: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1NGvFrTqWChr03LrYlw2Hkk/information-and-support-mental-health-self-harm (Website)

Channel 5 - Helplines: https://www.channel5.com/helplines#state=5 (Website)

ITV Calendar - Advice and support websites: https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2022-11-02/itv-calendar-advice-and-support-websites (Website)

NOTE: Scroll down the page, till you find "Mental health".

ITV X - Advice, helplines and how to contact us: https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/helplines (Website)

NOTE: Scroll down the page, till you find "Mental health helpline".

Thank you so much, 

DigbyDevon said:

I am shocked that the US only seems to have 2 major helplines

At least that I’m aware of. 988 has adverts in every public school right now and I know of The Trevor Project primarily because of strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community. There are likely other specialized services like The Trevor Project that I’m not aware of. Now that I think about it, I remember seeing a booth for a company devoted to protecting suicidal war veterans when I went to a suicide prevention event last year. So there’s got to be others that are less prominent.

DigbyDevon said:

If it is possible I might take you up on that offer to DM you if that is okay?

Absolutely! And sorry I just slammed your DM with a massive reply, lol.

DigbyDevon said:

I have found some tips which have helped land interviews. 

I’m totally open to learning new tips! Helping with interview preparation is a huge part of my job, so I’m definitely willing to experience more tricks for that.

Hi, thank you so much for your response. Don't worry about the time it has taken, it sometimes takes me a few days to respond depending on the week. 

I am shocked that the US only seems to have 2 major helplines, it is good though the trevor project has tried to step in and replace the shortfall by the Trump admin's cuts. 

Over here we don't seem to have many government backed helplines, 911 seems more about arranging help rather than a cool down line in my limited understanding. Hopefully I am wrong though. 

If it is possible I might take you up on that offer to DM you if that is okay? I was also wondering if my employment search may be helpful to your job e.g. I have found some tips which have helped land interviews. 

To my knowledge there are two main ones: 988 and The Trevor Project. I believe there are others, but I’m only aware of those two.

988 is a federal program. As far as I’m aware, that’s potentially a good thing - since that means it could have significant financial backing - but that’s likely also a very bad thing. I know within the last year the Trump Administration removed all specialization in LGBTQ+ individuals in order to cut some of the funding. Yes, they made it clear that veterans would still be supported, but LGBTQ+ is a huge demographic driven towards suicidal ideation whether you like them or not. Also, as with all federal programs these days, government shutdowns and fluctuations in power between the two main parties means it’s never really safe financially.

The Trevor Project is specifically focused on the LGBTQ+ community and is not a federal or state program. I don’t know much personally about how effective they are, but judging by what little research I’ve done they are reliable. Honestly, even though I’m “straight-passing,” I almost considered calling them instead of 988. I imagine they would be just fine helping non-LGBTQ+ individuals, so long as their service can be helpful. I’m pretty sure The Trevor Project is at least extended into Mexico and Canada, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they can support calls from the UK as well.

I’m so glad my response was helpful! Sorry it has taken so long to respond, I usually only get on here regularly when work is slow lol. However, if you do need someone to talk to, I am also available via direct message.

To be honest I heard using SHOUT felt like talking to an AI? It's not AI, it is real people, but the responses are so scripted it might as well have been. 

I did also see that with Young Minds using the Shout text line. 

There does not seem to be much realisation that adults cannot always speak on the phone regarding mental health due to a host of factors. I think there is more understanding now about it, but not enough. 

Thank you so much for the information. It sounds a bit similar to my local service, we did used to do online sessions but she wanted to move person to person again which I understood why. 

I am in the UK, I have not done talking therapy before but did do about two 1 and a half sessions in ERP for Obessive Compulsive Disorder which is really helpful. 

SHOUT does seem to be struggling in the last couple of years. I was not doing great around the time it first became available and it was generally quite quick to respond, but I've heard from you as well as others that it's slowed right down. The other trend I've seen with it is that other organisations are having 'text lines' that are actually just the shout number but telling you to use a different initial message (e.g. a longstanding one which I think might actually get you a different team is young minds telling you to text the number YM). I somewhat wonder how much support they are providing to shout to accommodate the increased traffic, or if they are just using shared SHOUT resources.

It is also true that some of the other long standing text or whatsapp or online message formats are going. And of course when it comes to phone lines I think we lost Papyrus last month. It's a real shame as someone who struggles with phone calls at the best of times, and particularly when I'm not doing well. 

Hi, I am using my city's self referral talking therapy. It used to be called steps2wellbeing but it has changed. When I was origonally taken on I was assessed as having depression and given a therapist that deals with that. Luckily I don't feel depressed at the moment but we have been going over childhood trauma instead. She's not a specilaist and agreed I need trauma focused therapy but she's been really nice and helpful so far. Are you in the UK? Do you have talking therapy's available? Very good luck to you in obtaining the right medication. I really hope the temporary GP is a good one.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, it really does mean a lot. You have also responded to a few of my posts or comments these last few days and I have found them really helpful, thank you!

That is very true, I think there is a mental block though with some phone lines as you never think you are "unwell enough" to use them. 

I'm so glad to hear you are still here and they helped you. I always find when I feel low that better times do come, it's just a rocky wave on the ship. 

Can I ask how the helplines are in the US? Is there many? 

It is good to hear you got help in the end! It is such a relief too when you get a therapist who is understanding and kind. 

Thank you so much for your kind words. Truth be told I have not seen my GP for around 4 years now, also she is on maternity leave so I will be having a temporary GP for now. I am hoping though that they can still offer some form of mood stabilising tablets to prevent me getting too low or refer me back to my old service. 

Can I ask the service you are using for your online sessions? 

I was thinking about getting in touch with the GP about the referral but I have been having online sessions with a lovely lady nhs therapist and she said she didn't think having the two services were allowed at the same time. I'd rather stick with her at the moment as I found a lot of my anxiety symptoms had a medical cause (Overactive thyroid.) and I'm on beta blockers now untill the tyroid medication kicks in. So kinda don't want to push it just yet if you see what I mean?

It's really good you are feeling better. Good luck for Thursday. Do you find your GP is usually helpful?

DigbyDevon said:

Just to be clear to prevent confusion, I am NOT suicidal but just felt very low last night

I appreciate the clarification and wish to state that you have every right to use those services even without being suicidal. It is a commonly held belief among us with depression that those services are for “others worse off than me,” but there’s a point where even if you don’t imminently plan to hurt yourself or others you could still need help.

I’m in the States, so I used 988 when I made a serious plan while at work. I sat in my car during my lunch break and was immediately connected with a woman who listened to my plan and helped figure out a way to make the plan less convenient. I don’t know how likely it would have been for me to attempt if I didn’t connect and I’m very glad I didn’t pull through because - among a ton of other horrible things - I would have caused an incredible amount of trauma for a certain worker who would have been the only one able to intervene. Not to mention my dad worked in the same building for a different shift, so that probably would have added an extra layer of disturbance to his life, too.

While I was lucky to get in touch with someone via 988 quickly enough to fit in my lunch break, she did promise a follow up call in a couple days that never happened. I suppose I didn’t really need it (I mean, I’m still here, apparently), but it’s always made me worried that someone that actually does need a follow up might not get one.

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm shocked The Samaritans did not pick up the phone, I thought that was an emergency fast response phoneline. It is also terrible that they never got back to you either, what an awful way to treat someone. 

Did the NHS not give you a referral? Can you phone the GP and ask about that?

I am feeling better now thank you, I have also arranged a GP appointment for Thursday which should help get the ball moving again. 

I was in crisis a few months ago and had the same experrience sadly I also tried The Samaritans at the time and again, it was left riniging, no one answered. I think in the end I ended up ringing NHS 111 and picking the mental health optiion. They said they'd get someone to call me back over that weekend but never did. Again I had a crisis a  couple of weeks ago and actually managed to get through to The Samaritans at the time which did help. I spoke to my doctor the next day who said he was going to refer me to the Community Mental Health Team. I was sent an email to track the the referal but everytime I click on it it says I have 0 referals happening!  I'm sorry to hear you were so low, I hope you are at least feeling a bit better this afternoon? 

I'm sorry to hear that. 

I have heard that some of these lines leave a lot to be desired 

I did get through to No Panic which seemed okay, the man on the line was helpful. It's just a shame there is not more text based services