What's the point of crisis lines?

[BlackNugget]

All calling the emergency crisis line did was them confirming they can't do anything, even if my severe SI tonight is caused almost entirely by external issues far beyond just "emotional support", what was even the point again?

I never trusted the idea of them in fear of being institutionalised, yet I was spiraling so bad that I thought they might help where my doctors keep failing on, and yet was only confirmed I am beyond help; they said they can do nothing. Just nothing, gave me back the same advice I've been already trying.

 

[dragonofenvy]

The point of them is for normal people to feel good about themselves for "helping" people like us without a care in the world if we become wards of the state. The topic of suicidality makes them uncomfortable so they create these hotlines as a way for them to escape from the topic by giving us empty platitudes.

 

[Hollowman]

One of the points is to hospitalise people and make as much $$ off of them as they can.

 

[tonicer]

Yeah i figured that much. I mean if the problem really stems from emotional issues that can be talked about they might be helpful. In my case my depression mostly comes from being poor and a KHHV guy at 40+. No matter which number i call they won't give me money or a job or a girlfriend who loves me.

 

[X-sanguinate86]

The empowered should provide real solutions or peaceful exit. Instead they just persist with their self-serving pseudo-solutions. Just another reason for this world to be destroyed.

 

[pieceoffox]

In my country, the people on the hotline never actually help - in fact, they often just make things worse. I don't understand the point of them if all they do is aggravate a person's condition.

 

[flowersforalgernons]

theyre mostly there to listen

 

[vitbar]

Sometimes you are so alone a human interaction where you can share your feelings honestly is invaluable.

Personally I have had mixed interactions. The best time was after a long day of work where I had to bottle up my depression. I was losing it and didn't even want to go home. I phoned from the park, where I'd given up, and we talked it all out. I even stood my ground about the right to die and he gave the impression he respected my stance, or better. At the end he wished me well, and I wished the same to him, and meant it. I felt less like I was on a knife edge, more human shaped, despite nothing else being different.

At its worst it was mundane and useless. It really depends on who picks up, and what you expect too. Reality is some random down the phone can only offer whatever words they manage.

 

[Passenger4224]

Their purpose is to take prank calls!

 

[Meretlein]

To make the shiny happy people feel better.

 

[AgnesTachyon]

the rich need more profit!​

 

[TAW122]

And to maintain the status quo, while suppressing the unfortunate (especially those who are mindfully suicidal and have an unwavering continuous desire to die).