The Suicide Prevention Lifeline Helps Anyone with Depression

You have probably heard of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. What you might not know is that it is intended for anyone going through depression, even those who do not experience suicidal thoughts. The resource connects callers to local crisis centers where counselors are there to listen and provide support. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen can save a life and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can do that.

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline Was There for Me

I have known about the Suicide Prevention Lifeline for over a year now. Even though I knew that it was there to help people going through crises, I shied away from calling the hotline for two reasons. For one, even though I had been feeling really depressed for several months, I felt that it was not major enough to warrant immediate help. I could wait for my next therapist appointment. Also, I worried that the counselor would break confidentiality and send an ambulance to my house.

The first time I got the courage to call the hotline, I was very depressed. It was late, maybe around 3:00 a. m. on a workday. I was sitting up in my bed crying, wishing I could talk to someone about how much I hated myself and life in general. The thought of suicide crossed my mind, but I knew that it was not the answer. I needed help if I wanted to get better. At the time, a suicide prevention hotline was my only hope.

As soon as the suicide hotline volunteer answered the phone, the first thing I said was that I was not planning anything and that I would be okay; I just needed to talk to someone. Thankfully, the person on the other end said that she was there to listen. After I talked about my struggles, she said that my thoughts and feelings were understandable. We worked through my problems together and came up with a suicide prevention safety plan to help me correct my thoughts and take healthy actions. After the first call, I felt better about myself and life. I was finally able to go to sleep and wake up with a more hopeful and optimistic mindset.

My Second Call to the Suicide Prevention Hotline

A few days ago, I called the Suicide Prevention Lifeline because I felt like there was no future and I was a burden to everyone around me. Because I was unable to see a therapist due to insurance issues, it had been awhile since I had talked to a professional. Even though I had friends and family that would listen, I knew that I could only vent to them for so long. They could not solve my problems. I needed to reach out to someone who could help me learn how to help myself.

I was expecting maybe a 10-minute session that would consist of me talking most of the time and the counselor giving a few of his/her own insights. What I received, however, was a much longer and more helpful talk. The counselor stayed on the phone with me for over an hour. He was nonjudgmental and empathized with me. He mentioned meditation and self-help books. After I hung up the phone, I was excited to read one of the books he recommended. Currently, I am doing 30 minutes of daily meditation and reading the book The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.

If you do not have anyone to talk to when you really need a listening ear, you could greatly benefit from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org). It is free and available 24/7.

Other Suicide Prevention Hotlines

• The Trevor HelpLine (Specializing in saving young LGBTQ lives) -- 1-800-850-8078
• IMAlive -- Online crisis chat
• Veteran’s Crisis Line -- 1-800-273-8255