{"id":459,"date":"2022-07-29T15:21:04","date_gmt":"2022-07-29T22:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakecountycrisiscenter.org\/?page_id=459"},"modified":"2024-01-04T16:01:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T00:01:13","slug":"hotlines-helpful-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lakecountycrisiscenter.org\/?page_id=459","title":{"rendered":"Hotlines & Helpful Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You may be nervous about calling a crisis line, but know that hotline volunteers want you to feel heard and supported. <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What you can expect when contacting a crisis line by phone or text: <\/strong>Depending on your method of contact, there is usually a short wait time to be connected to a volunteer or counselor, ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes on average, depending on their call volume. Try not to be discouraged \u2014 someone will get to you as soon as they can. This does not mean that your call is not important. We want to hear from you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common MYTHS associated with contacting a hotline\/crisis line:<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Myth #1: I must be experiencing thoughts of suicide to reach out to a crisis line.<\/strong>
The trained counselors at the Crisis Text Line and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline & other hotlines are available 24\/7 for anyone who is experiencing any crisis, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, LGBTQ issues, bereavement, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or mental illness-related concerns. Although what is considered a \u2018crisis\u2019 is defined loosely to encourage anyone in need to reach out for help, callers and texters should recognize that crisis lines are neither short- nor long-term substitutes for therapy, emergency care, or professional health care. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2: If I mention that I\u2019m suicidal, they\u2019ll send the police to my location.<\/strong>
The Crisis Text Line engages in an \u201cactive rescue\u201d (i.e., emergency services) in less than 1% of crises. The goal of the Crisis Text Line is to de-escalate the situation and work with the texter to identify the best options for seeking help locally. Emergency services are only alerted when there is imminent risk of harm to the texter<\/strong> and when the texter is unable or unwilling to create a safety plan (for example, unable or unwilling to separate themselves from their means for suicide or self-harm). <\/strong>Similarly, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline\u2019s website emphasizes that its crisis counselors strive to empower the caller and help them problem-solve to identify the best course of action, meaning emergency services are only involved in situations where the caller is in immediate danger.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #3:<\/strong> Since crisis lines have the potential to send emergency services to my location, my call\/text is not confidential.<\/strong>
Anonymity is of utmost important to the Crisis Text\/Call Hotlines. When you call or text a crisis line, your location and phone number are encrypted or otherwise anonymized, making it impossible for them to trace you. In some situations, counselors at these crisis lines may ask you to provide personally identifiable information (your name and home address) to better assist you, but you are under no obligation <\/strong>to share this information over text or on the phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what does happen when you call\/text a crisis line?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first you may hear an automated message with additional information and options while your call is routed to a crisis counselor. Once you\u2019re connected, you\u2019ll have someone to listen to you, provide support, and connect you with help. Sounds simple, huh? Don\u2019t be intimidated or frightened by these free and confidential national resources. On the other end of your text or call is a trained, caring individual who is volunteering their time to help you work through rough patches and access local resources. Reaching out when you need help is brave, no matter how big or small you think your issues are. Above all, your safety and privacy are most important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ABUSE<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n