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 >
Category: suicide hotline
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 >
My Daughter is Suicidal…How Do I Help Her?
My Daughter is Suicidal…How Do I Help Her? Many calls to our Texas crisis center come from people in personal distress—but some of the most urgent are from parents worried about their children. When a mom or dad calls our crisis hotline after finding something alarming—like a note, a social media post, or a diary entry—it’s because they’re scared, confused, and looking for answers. That’s …Read More >