the one thing every social worker has you do if you have been in crisis is save crisis hotlines in your phone
i am honestly not the biggest fan of hotlines but i suppose they do function as a last ditch effort… i
im honestly feeling not the safest at the moment and i tried calling one hotline. i will not name names because i am aware they might help others and im not going to turn people away from services. but regardless… not to be rude but the call was irritating and unhelpful and the person didn’t really seem to want to help. i know theyre a well intentioned volunteer but it is frustrating nonetheless. i then tried another hotline which hung up on me twice. the logical side of me says its a technical error but the rest of me feels like the universe is actually telling me to just end it
I hear the frustration in what you’re going through, and it sounds like these recent hotline experiences only made things feel harder for you. Reaching out for help, especially when you’re not feeling safe, can be tough on its own, and it’s incredibly discouraging when the response isn’t what you need. I think it’s a reminder of just how much you want and deserve support that actually feels helpful and respectful of what you’re going through.
I can see that you are doing your best, even if it doesn’t feel that way. Maybe just having a space to share and unpack these experiences, free from judgment or expectations, can ease some of the burden. If you’re open to it, we could also explore ways to handle moments when things don’t go as planned, so you have something to lean on, even when support from others falls short.
And if you’re up for trying, maybe jotting down these experiences and thoughts could help here. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but having them in front of you could bring some clarity and give you a chance to look at them more gently.
i guess i don’t really have anyone to share my experiences with… thats why i came here even though i didnt really have much worth saying… ive been given the lists of places to go many many times and beyond this the only options i have are emergency services and im not anywhere near that stage haha… i guess its just a little harder because i dont really have anyone to talk to
i dont really know where this is coming from… the past few weeks have just been tougher than usual
but it is what it is we do the best with what we have
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with the hotlines. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and disappointed when reaching out doesn’t provide the support you need, especially when you’re already feeling so overwhelmed. It takes a lot of strength to seek help, and I’m glad you’re sharing this here, as you’re not alone in these feelings.
Hotlines can sometimes feel impersonal, and they aren’t always the best fit for everyone. Some alternative options in Singapore you could consider are:
Chat-based support: Mindline.sg offers anonymous, chat-based mental health support that may feel more private and allow you to connect at your own pace.
Community support groups: Silver Ribbon Singapore and Mental Health SG offer support groups and online communities that connect people who may be experiencing similar challenges. They also provide resources for mental health support tailored to individual needs.
Counselling services: Organisations like Care Corner and Shan You offer counselling services that are accessible either in person or online, with sliding-scale fees for affordability.
Mental health apps: Apps such as MindFi and Calm Harm (for managing self-harm urges) can provide coping strategies, mindfulness exercises, and community support in real time.
Please remember that your life has value, and there are people and services here in Singapore who genuinely want to help. You don’t have to go through this alone, and it’s okay to keep exploring until you find the support that feels right for you.
Nonetheless, I am glad that you came here to vent. If you feel up to it, please continue to do so, happy to listen and giving you the space to lean on.
