Depression Forums

General => The Lounge => Topic started by: Michael Frankum on August 21, 2012, 10:59:13 PM

Title: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Michael Frankum on August 21, 2012, 10:59:13 PM
I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself at the moment - not suicidal, please don't be concerned. When I feel really desperate, I remember something which truly happened to me a while ago. I was feeling at the lowest ebb I can ever recall. I felt hopeless, so I carefully emptied out all my various tablets, counted them all up - 165 - and decided that I would try to explain my actions before taking them. It was the middle of the night, so I rang the Samaritans. I started speaking to a very nice lady, and I proceeded to lay out everything that had gone wrong and had led me to that point in my life. (You may have noticed that I tend to go on a bit!) After about three quarters of an hour, I asked the lady for her opinion. I heard nothing so I asked again. The only response I got was a very loud snore! I apologised, and rang off. I honestly think that this was the only reaction which could have helped. I then began laughing. I realised how ridiculous it would be to do anything at all like my original plan.

A few years later, I checked with the Samaritans whether this was an accepted approach. I was told, "God, no!" I did suggest that they consider it, but I don't think that they have taken it on board.
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Got on August 22, 2012, 03:43:02 AM

I am glad that you responded with humour. I am also glad that you did not kill yourself as you are definitely better off alive than dead.

Even if she was awake she would not have been able to give you her opinion as the samaritans are not supposed to do that.

Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Sweetpea on August 22, 2012, 07:30:51 AM
This did make me smile. But I am also so glad that you did not go through with it. Take care. S x x x x
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Zaf on August 22, 2012, 07:45:18 AM
That did make me smile and I'm glad her 'response' helped you, even if in an unexpected way  =+-

Z xxx
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Michael Frankum on August 22, 2012, 10:55:36 AM
Thank you all. I have got used to the lady's reaction over the years. To be honest, if I did not know how Zal signs off, I might have thought that it had happened again!  ;) Best wishes everyone.
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Sweetpea on August 22, 2012, 02:33:50 PM
Again you made me smile Michael. Let's hope Zaf hasn't nodded off :). S x x x x
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Zaf on August 22, 2012, 03:19:55 PM
No, havent nodded off  =+-

Z xxx
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Ezel on August 22, 2012, 03:26:46 PM
Michael, I like reading your posts and this thread has made me smile  !+_
Title: Re: The Samaritan helpline
Post by: Catbrian on August 22, 2012, 05:10:31 PM
Best smile I've had for days... thanks