Hi Paulette,
Just a word of warning... I called the suicide hotline just to "chat. " I told them I was NOT suicidal just needed to talk because I was having a hard time. The next thing I knew the police were at my door & they hauled me off to a psych unit.    After assessment I was released immediately.  But it was quite humiliating being taken out of my home in handcuffs.
Lori

(please see posting below this for other alternatives to Suicide Hotlines...-Editor)

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What an excellent question.

 

When I was in treatment, I didn't want to talk to my therapist all the time either--and even if I could have, it wouldn't have always helped. These are the folks who REALLY helped me. I'm not certain I'd be here if it weren't for them. My advice: put their number in your care kit, in your car, in your wallet.

 

Samaritans--they are suicide prevention, but will talk to you if you are seriously depressed or distressed--they are WONDERFUL in my experience. Be honest with them, explain to them how you hurt. They now have e mail, though I'm not sure that this is as helpful as a "listening presence." 877-870-HOPE (4673). They have help lines in different countries. Here is what they say:

 

"Those familiar with Samaritans are aware that we are not advice givers or problem solvers. The first reaction from many people, including some who have become our most active volunteers, is to ask why anyone bothers to call in the first place. If we're not going to solve the problem, what is the use? It's a fair and challenging question, and we think our answer is just as fair and just as challenging. For many people in our society, it seems as if no one cares enough to stop and listen. We live in a world in which acknowledging loneliness, need and despair is often seen a badge of weakness and shame. For many of our callers, it is extraordinarily difficult to dial our phone number, let alone respond to a volunteer who answers the telephone, "Samaritans, can I help you?" It is all too common for a Samaritan or Samariteen to hear seven or eight or ten sighs, followed by seven or eight clicks as the phone is hung up, before – on the ninth call -- a caller finally says, "Yes. Do you think I could talk to you?"

There is no such thing as a typical Samaritans conversation, but one element is nearly always present: A caller's sense of personal isolation." ---from Samaritans web site 

 

Covenant House 9-line. These folks are also available 24 hours a day. This is best if you need to talk about abuse issues. They are VERY helpful. Intended for adolescents, and yet I called once and they said they also speak to adults who are having a very difficult time. They, too, are non-directive. They will not tell you what to do. They listen. Covenant House Nineline (1-800-999-9999) is a free, confidential crisis hotline that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

Good luck!