Hello, very dear friends --

I had a friend today call and ask me how to find some crisis line counseling.

I used to work on a crisis line in Chicago as a volunteer for a year and subsequently have called one a few times in my life when I was really up a tree. They can really provide a helpful port in an unexpected storm.

Obviously it's probably not your first resort but if all else is failing, it' can be a life buoy. People have friends, family, planning processes, diaries, prayer and all kinds of other resources. But people can sometimes be really unexpectedly bereft of options, and that's when there is danger.

During these economic down-times, some people are suffering, and quietly so, and some reach the end of their wits and hurt themselves. It is tragic when someone dies from self-harm and the shocked and saddened survivors always are aware of how there was help available that was not used. Some people are too Stoic are refuse to ever reach out.

A friend recently had a neighbor end his life, pushed to desperation by financial setbacks. It was very tragic, and set me up to be more alert to signs of despair in myself and others.

After I gathered the numbers for the friend who called today, I thought "Hey, I'd better keep these handy cause I might need one sometime." And so I thought "I will also send them on to some of my special friends."

So please do not be offended as I am not sending these because I think "THAT friend really NEEDS some help" but only because I care extra-much about you in particular and would want to be sure you have a life preserver as I and others have been grateful for.

These lines usually provide referrals to other services in other parts of the country if they are needed, so Chicago area is just the start.

Love, Robb

Here are the Chicago area numbers I knew of:

1 This is the free crisis intervention

number sponsored by UIC, "In Touch Crisis Hotline."

I think they are very good.

312-996-5535 -- open 6 to 9:30 each evening, 7 days.

2 Kane County crisis line -- 24/7

They don't care where you're calling form.

They're there to help.

847-697-2380

3 This one has to call you back (is probably cheaper for them because of a WATS line) but they're good

Crisis Line (217) 359-4141

4 Du Page County -- Crisis Intervention. (630) 627-1700. They don't care where you live -- 24-hour telephone for emergency and non- emergency psychiatric services for adults, children, and adolescents. -- a crisis line

WHAT DO I SAY TO THESE PEOPLE?

If you're not sure what to say to one of these lines, here are some reasonable opening lines that can get the ball rolling:

Hello -- I am really worried and anxious and I need to talk to someone about my future.

Hi -- I am feeling very anxious right now and don't seem to know how to help myself very well. I have felt like this for many days. Can I talk to somebody about this?

Hi -- I don't really know how to start talking about this. I just feel really bad right now and I am very afraid about my future and about my life in general. Is there somebody I can talk to about this?

Hello -- I have been feeling very badly for several weeks and can't seem to help myself feel better so that it sticks. Can I talk to somebody about how I am feeling?

Hello -- I am very discouraged about my life overall right now and I feel like I need some help in seeing my situation more realistically. From where I am sitting, my plight looks hopeless. I don't know what to do and I feel like somehow time is running out on me.

Hi -- I feel like I don't like myself and don't have any confidence that I can live my life so as to feel better than I do today, which is terrible. Can you help me?

Hi -- even though I am not in any clear physical danger I feel very imperiled and at risk in my life. I feel like things are going to turn on me and I need some help in figuring out what I can do to feel better and to feel more prepared for what life is likely to bring along to me.

Hello. I want to try to sum up how I am feeling. I feel painted into a corner. I feel like I have no choices and that I am in danger of things getting worse for me.

- - - -

If you don't like one line, hang up and try another -- or call that one back after waiting a few minutes.

These people are generally very kind and may even be doing this as volunteers. They generally have some training provided by the crisis line if they aren't studying crisis intervention in school.

Be as honest and open as you can with them. They don't know you. They can't hurt you. They are not part of your life. They will not try to pursue knowing you more. They are professional and have the necessary detachment while still being warm and caring.

What I'm trying to say is that these are caring people, even though their tones of voice can vary. Try to give someone a chance but if it feels wrong after awhile, just hang up and move on. They're used to being hung up on. It's not a problem.

Be sure you get what YOU NEED from the experience and don't be overly concerned about the line and the workers. They are doing what they do because they want to ease problems and prevent their worsening. They understand suffering and confusion and anxiety and depression and panic. Don't be too picky about them but make sure it's working for you, too. There are a LOT of people who need these services every single day so don't feel you have to give them traffic. But also don't feel you have to rush through. You are no less important than any other human being who gets through to hem. Make them glad they helped you by giving them the time to really attain some insight about you and to gently intervene.

I'm telling you, that's what they want -- to give you ease from your "demons".

They want to balm your crisis. They care. They really do.

web counter