The Samaritans

Zipz
Zipz Community Member Posts: 4,347 Championing
in Everyday life

I've never had much confidence in The Samaritans but I've felt so anxious and distressed here alone today that I thought I'd give them a go. The volunteer did not introduce herself. In the brief time I tried to communicate all she could say was "wow" and "gosh". I feel worse for phoning them.

Comments

  • Holly_Alumni
    Holly_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 6,534 Championing
    edited April 7

    @Zipz I'm really sorry to read that they weren't very helpful. I've always heard positive things about them previously in general. I can imagine if you're feeling a bit lonely, and you're looking for a bit of advice, reassurance, and someone to talk to, the odd word here and there just doesn't do it.

    Hopefully we can cheer you up a bit on here! 😊

  • Littlefatfriend
    Littlefatfriend Community Member Posts: 446 Trailblazing

    It's an anonymous service by design Zipz. Neither caller nor volunteers are meant to identify themselves.

    In the circumstances I think that's for the best.

    They also don't offer advice of any sort. That would be all sorts of complicated in phone calls and they aren't professional experts in that role.

    "Their service is designed as a safe, confidential space to talk, where trained volunteers listen to your concerns and help you explore your feelings without judgment or telling you what to do. They focus on listening rather than offering opinions or solutions." All day, every day.

    Often that's essentially what psychiatrists do too. They just have more information available about their clients and are trained to help guide people to their own solutions. They also often meet the clients repeatedly, which changes things a lot.

    I'm sorry you didn't find them helpful and I haven't used any of these services, but they may be better alternatives than The Samaritans for your purposes:

    • Anxiety UK: Call 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm) or text 07537 416905 for support.
    • No Panic: Offers a daily helpline (10am–10pm) at 0300 772 9844, and a 24-hour crisis line at 01952 680835.
    • SANEline: Specialist emotional support and information (4:30pm–10pm daily) at 0300 304 7000.
    • Mind Infoline: Provides information and support (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm) at 0300 102 1234.

    CALM.com: Offers support via phone (0800 58 58 58) and webchat, 5pm–midnight daily.

    Good luck

    😺

  • Zipz
    Zipz Community Member Posts: 4,347 Championing

    Thank you everybody. I phoned the Samaritans again and spoke with a delightful volunteer: empathetic and intelligent.

  • luvpink
    luvpink Community Member Posts: 5,366 Championing

    @Zipz

    I am pleased to hear you a good empathetic volunteer.

    I hope you are feeling better

    Positive vibes to you.

    Take care.💕

  • StarryEyed
    StarryEyed Community Member Posts: 1,891 Championing

    Thinking of you 🕯️

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Community Member Posts: 6,029 Championing

    I am glad you phoned back @Zipz and got a more understanding volunteer. I hope this has helped you.

    Take care.

  • Annabelle26
    Annabelle26 Scope Member Posts: 116 Empowering

    I used the Samaritans last year & found them really helpful. I felt really down & maybe suicidal after being bombarded with several pieces of bad news within a month plus my Cat died on the morning of the 5th Anniversary of my Mothers death. I had been sitting on the banks of the local river wondering about walking into it. I eventually went back home & later after a couple of false starts rang them. I told the person I spoke to what had happened & how I felt. The person I spoke to did not refer to what I had told them but we just seemed to chat about various things as if I had just rang a friend for a chat. We did this for what seemed quite a while then they asked me how I was feeling & strangely I felt more happy & positive than I had been before. The Volunteer then gave me a couple of phone numbers to ring to get more specialist help although I have never rung them. When I put the phone down I felt a lot better.

  • Holly_Alumni
    Holly_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 6,534 Championing

    Pleased it was a better call @Zipz 😊 hope you're feeling ok today and enjoying the sunshine.

  • StarryEyed
    StarryEyed Community Member Posts: 1,891 Championing

    Sending you a warm hello, @Zipz 👋🏼😊 ❤️

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