Wanted to answer the letter from JMH27 who reports that the female Samaritan who answered his call'had to go' - naturally because of your mind state at that time you would think you were getting short, sharp, treatment, however did you for one minute ever consider that she really did have to go - possibly, just possibly she had come 'on duty' to find out she was doing solo cover, so her responses would need to be short, OR possibly she began to feel poorly, or maybe had to answer an urgent call or nature!? It can happen you know.
Over many years I have (at times) had to use this service, each time bar perhaps just one the response has been appropriate, sometimes the operators have gone above and beyond their duty and gone that extra mile-just like in real life. These folk are doing this job to help others, working unsociable hours, listening to traumatic life events and all voluntarily.
I would suggest to anyone who is feeling as bad as the person who was on here to of course access the Samaritans service BUT to also contact their GP and be referred for counselling which is extremely beneficial, anyone with mental health problems needs to help themselves too. Hope you have got through your dark time and do not let one unhelpful experience cloud your judgment of a very worthwhile and FREE service! Good luck to you.
I am a mess. I wanna die but won't kill myself. The girl who answered gave me 5 minutes to unload about being roofied raped and video taped and interrupted me to say she had to go in a minute. Thanks lady. I really needed hell this morning and have no one to talk to because I am afraid of people and she had to go. Just Wow. Very hurt that she didn't care either.
I have been donating to Samaritans for a number of years and I know many of the staff and have known the Executive Director for years. I donate to the organization because I believe in what they do -- helping people who need someone to listen to them in a time of emotional crisis. I also am impressed with the organizations programs; including a new IM (instant messaging) program to reach teens. I also believe the value of an organization can be measured by other organizations that support them. For example, the Boston Red Sox supports the activities of Samaritans including the fundraising event "Make Noise to Save a Life." Samaritans is also innovative recently launching a "social experiment" at HappierBoston.org focused on reaching out to the local community. This organization saves lives by being there for people suffering emotionally and is doing a great service to their community.