Suicide Hotline Manager
CantSay, US
Female, 0
I supervise and train telephone operators for a suicide hotline. In addition to answering phones myself, I am also available when questions about protocol come up or if a phone operator is having trouble dealing with the emotions being expressed by a caller. Like many non-profits, we are now in danger of being shut down because of budget cuts.
While preparing to apply to graduate school for work in the mental health field, I began looking for a volunteer or professional position that would give me an opportunity to gain clinical experience and test my own ability to do this type of work. When I first started at the hotline, I had never done anything of this nature before and it was a harrowing few weeks (really a few months) before I began to feel fully confident in my abilities.
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The most common theme -- by far -- is loneliness. This sometimes stems from psychological issues that make it difficult for the individual to form social relationships. Often, though, the loneliness is a result of having lost a loved one or suffering a trauma that separates the individual from their social circle or they simply feel that their thoughts are too unacceptable to share with the people they love.
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It happens on occasion. It's kind of annoying when it happens because you have to take every call seriously and really be 100% sure it's a prank. When it's completely clear what's going on, we'll just hang up. We don't call the cops.
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If you look at earlier questions, you'll see that it depends if the hotline is anonymous or not. If it's anonymous, then no you wouldn't because the call can't be traced. If the hotline isn't anonymous, then yes you would call 911.
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Anyone who is feeling suicidal should call a hotline, speak to a friend or family member, or go to the nearest emergency room. This isn't a counseling forum.
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Basically you just contact a hotline near you (google "suicide prevention hotline" in your area) and let them know you are looking for a volunteer or paid position. I get paid, but a lot of hotlines are primarily volunteer. You don't need a particular degree at my hotline; we do have a lot of people who are studying social work or psychology. If you don't get an immediate response from a hotline after leaving a voicemail or email, remember these are nonprofits and the administrative side tends to be undermanned, so don't hesitate to contact them after a few days.
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There have been a few times when it felt like the caller was in imminent danger and I was able to diffuse the situation. We try to be a calming presence focused on the caller, helping them to sort out the chaos or dark depression they are experiencing. More common is for a caller who is not yet suicidal but has a lot going on to feel the need to relieve the build up of emotional pressure before it explodes into a dangerous situation.
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