Ask a Suicide Hotline Manager anything

57 Questions

Last Answer on June 20, 2013

Do you have to be at least 18 to be a hotline operator - or older?

Asked by jwrites almost 13 years ago

Yes, you do.

Do you enjoy helping people? And do you consider yourself a hero?

Asked by Sarah over 12 years ago

I do enjoy helping people. I don't consider myself a hero. Like anything else you do regularly enough, this just becomes an ordinary part of your life.

979 Votes

In Toronto, some people want high barriers on bridges and subway tracks, but opponents say that it's just a waste of money because the person will just kill themselves some other way. Are there stats that show whether such barriers truly save lives?

Asked by Jobstr Dan over 12 years ago

I don't know about any stats like that. I would imagine anything that gives people a chance to think about a serious decision is a good thing.

972 Votes

Do suicide hotlines also offer help through online chat? Some people might feel more comfortable in that environment, I assume.

Asked by Wright stuff almost 13 years ago

Some probably do, but I'm not familiar with any. I think that part of the benefit of the hotline is to really hear someone's voice there with you in the moment. There's something very removed about just reading words on a screen that, in my mind at least, seems less impactful.

967 Votes

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what should i do if i feel suicidal and have the means of doing it here but not done anything yet...... and i am literrally just out of a mental ward from self discharge even though i self harmed on the ward??

Asked by visitor over 12 years ago

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.

965 Votes

What are the hours like and how many calls a day does each shift person get?

Asked by shirleyuet over 12 years ago

Our shifts are typically about five hours long. The number of calls varies, but usually twenty or so calls. Some of those calls might only be a few minutes long while others might go on for a half hour or more.

946 Votes