What To Expect When Calling a Crisis Line
Calling a crisis line can be the best next move for yourself, for a family member, for a friend.
And did you know that you don’t have to be ‘in crisis’ to call? Crisis lines are staffed by trained counsellors who can help you walk through a variety of thoughts and experiences. Think of them as a trusted counsellor at the other end of the line.
Here are few things to know and expect if you call a call line:
There are many call lines to choose from. If you’re thinking about suicide, call 988 now. The National Farmer Crisis Line can be reached at 1-866-327-6701 (1-866-FARMS01 if you forget). Many provinces have special crisis call lines for agriculture. Find your province on our crisis contacts page.
Texting is an option. If you can’t call (because someone close by will hear you), there are two great options: You can text 988 the suicide crisis line — in fact, well over a third of their work is via text. It’s silent and safe and supportive.
If you’d like support but aren’t in immediate crisis, you can join AgTalk, our online anonymous peer to peer support space, designed for people in agriculture. There are clinicians (called Wall Guides) on hand 24/7 that you can chat with via the chat function. They’re supportive, knowledgeable, and always there.
You’ll get a list of options, first. An automated voice may direct you to choose a language or answer other questions. They will use these to get you the help you need, in a language that works for you.
Three minutes. The national average in Canada for the 988 suicide hotline is three minutes wait. Use that time to breathe, in and out, and maybe jot down some notes to organize your thoughts.
Supportive, trained, ready. In every case (call or text or online), you will be connected with a person trained to listen.
Be open to questions. They will ask questions to assess how you are doing. They’ll start very broad, such as ‘tell me what’s happening with you today?’
You are in control. The staff are there to listen and understand what you are experiencing. They do not judge. They do not give advice or tell you what to do. They are there to listen. They may ask: “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” They are trained to ensure your safety and they ask everyone this question. It is also okay to share and be truthful. They are trained to support you in this tough moment, no matter what.
Take your time. The person on the other end will work with you when you’re ready to develop a plan that helps you address the crisis you are facing. They will stay on the line or in chat with you until you are through your hard thoughts and painful moment, no matter how long that takes. You’ll have a next step plan in place.
There are no limits to how many times you call or text. Once your safety is ensured, they will encourage you to call back if you need help. They might also offer to do follow up call if they think it might be beneficial. They also may direct you to next steps and further resources, such as a counsellor who understands agriculture, or other resources. Everyone is different, faces different challenges, and needs different paths forward.
You are the most important person. The goal of the conversation is to listen to you, help you feel heard and supported, and help make sure that you are in a better position to move through your crisis, and that you have a plan for next steps that will work for you.
For more resources, visit https://www.domore.ag/crisis-contacts