When someone is struggling, it can be hard for them to reach out. Harder still, to tell someone that they’re thinking about ending their life. The mere mention of the word “suicide” can make people uncomfortable, both the one saying it and the one hearing it. But that’s exactly why it’s important to talk about it. “The mere mention of the word ‘suicide’ may be …Read More >
Category: suicide hotline
Volunteering on a Free Suicide Helpline —What to Expect
If you called a free suicide helpline before, you might be wondering who is behind those lines; what are their stories like, why are they doing it for free, and what’s in it for them. You might also be thinking about how they prepare themselves before they answer the calls, what their expectations are, how they manage the emotional weight, and their purpose in helping …Read More >
Teen Suicide Facts: How Teen Screening Programs for Warning Signs Save Lives
At the Texas Crisis Center, early intervention is one of the most powerful tools in preventing teen suicide. That’s why the Teens Can Survive program was created to proactively reach students before they reach a crisis point. This program identifies signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation that might otherwise go unnoticed, connecting teens and families to immediate support and resources like our crisis hotline …Read More >
Finding The Black Swan: A Crisis Hotline Story
As someone who volunteers on the crisis hotline, I’ve learned that the best way to help in those moments is to truly listen, not just to what’s being said, but to what’s underneath. I listen for what I call the black swan: that one quiet, seemingly unimportant detail that ends up being the most important thing we need to resolve the situation. One night, I …Read More >
Listening Is the Clearest Path to Empathy
At our Texas crisis center, some of the most effective work happens in silence. When a caller reaches out to our crisis hotline, they’re often overwhelmed, confused, or just in need of someone who will truly listen. And that’s exactly what our trained volunteers do best. It may not always look like action, but listening with care, empathy, and attention can change the course of …Read More >