When the phone rings on the Lines for Life Suicide Lifeline, it’s often someone who has lost touch with their reasons for living.
Our trained counselors begin to build a relationship with the callers in a perhaps counterintuitive way: We start by asking the caller why they want to die – rather than hushing or redirecting them. Through careful and active listening they allow the person to let their emotions out, often for the first time. Fron there our counselors help them explore some of the positive thngs in their lives and identify individuals who are supportive in the lives ot the caller.
There are no “pat” answers. No “one size fits all’ solutions. And there’s certainly no judgement. In reality,it’s the caller who usually designs their customized safety plan.
By connecting in a real and human way, we are able to help them weave that slender thread into a powerful lifeline.
Which is exactly why we’re here 24/7.
1-888-273-TALK (8255)