24 Hour Health Hotline

Do those mental health hotlines work?

In general, yes. They work surprisingly well, actually. They are for support and crisis intervention, though, so their assistance is limited. They're mostly there to listen and refer you to the appropriate resources.I volunteered with my local Sexual Assault Crisis Center back in college. The majority of our calls fell into one of two groups: women who had been raped and had trouble sleeping because they relived the experience every time they closed their eyes, or people who were suicidal. We'd sign up for different shifts and when it was our turn, we'd have the hotline transferred to our house phone.I always signed up for the 15-hour overnight shifts, so I frequently answered calls from women who were in the midst of a panic attack in the middle of the night. We'd calm them down, listen to anything they needed to say, then lead them through a guided meditation until they thanked us and hung up or, just as often if not more so, until they fell asleep while still on the phone.When they were suicidal, the process was similar but instead of doing the guided imagery, we'd ask them to make a verbal contract promising to not attempt suicide within the next 24 hours. We'd try to make them an office appointment with our counselor if they were willing. If they weren't ready for that, we'd at least make them promise to call back every so many hours until they were no longer suicidal or until we could convince them to see someone for more help. It always amazed me how well the verbal contracts worked.The main problem we sometimes encountered was people who would call multiple times wanting to substitute the crisis hotline for ongoing therapy. We were not there to provide ongoing therapy, although we did offer it free at the center. Occasionally a caller would become attached to a particular volunteer and would call repeatedly trying to get us to give them the volunteer’s direct number. That was not healthy. It was actually not unusual for someone to be incredibly manipulative in their efforts to get to talk to the volunteer they had attached to, and I know of one time when a volunteer had to change her phone number after a caller had managed to trick another (new) volunteer into giving her the number. You really can't expect to develop a therapeutic relationship with a crisis hotline worker.

How do I get help for my mental health problems? I'm scared to talk to someone about my problems.

Start with someone you are comfortable with. It does not have to be a full display of your soul the first conversation you have about your mental health. Maybe just “I feel sad today.”I recommend setting up an appointment with a therapist, and it may take a few tries before you find one that you feel comfortable enough with. Give it time, though. You will be able to express your emotions and get support. It is not easy, do not expect it to be easy, and be gentle with yourself.However, if you feel like you are ever a danger to yourself, please talk to someone immediately.If you live in America, call (755) 784–8090 or text “ANSWER” to 839863 to reach a 24-Hour Crisis Hotline. These are trained professionals who can help you in times of need. These exist all over the world, so just give a quick internet search if you are not in America and feel like you need one of these.Good luck, stay safe, be kind to yourself xx

Is there a confidential anxiety line?

A2AHere is some info taken from the article Panic Attack HotlinePanic Disorder Information Hotline: 1-800-64-PANIC (72642)For many who experience panic attacks, it can be helpful to speak to someone who understands what they’re going through during an attack. The compassionate staff at the panic disorder hotline can provide information about what happens during an attack and provide tips to help get through the attack. This number is available to those in crisis, as well as those who are just seeking more information about the disorder.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)If your panic attacks are accompanied by suicidal thoughts or just a feeling of hopelessness, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free hotline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide support for people in crisis and distress. Their national network of local crisis centers provide completely confidential guidance and can connect you to resources to help treat your panic disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)SAMHSA’s free, 24/7 hotline provides referrals to therapists, counselors, treatment programs, and support groups in your area. They also have an online behavioral health treatment services locator, so you can find resources for yourself or a loved one who struggles with panic disorder.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)The NAMI Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. Helpline staff and volunteers are there to answer your questions about panic attacks and other mental health issues. They can answer questions about local services and support groups and refer you to a crisis helpline if needed.Teen Line: 1-310-855-HOPE (4673) or 1-800-TLC-TEEN (1-800-852-8336) I found this article from UK. see if it helps. Anxiety and panic helplinesThis one is in US and Canada Teen Health and Wellness

Is there an international suicide hotline in English? I’m an expat who doesn’t speak the local language yet. I thought I’d hit rock bottom but I was mistaken.

I don’t know of any international phone lines in English, but I do know that you can email Samaritans in English on jo@samaritans.org and they will respond within 24 hours[1].Alternatively you can see if there’s any phone line in the country where you live that offers interpreters’ services so you can go and see a local (mental) health professional.Do post again if there’s anything else Quora users can help you with. Don’t give up.Footnotes[1] Email Samaritans