3 Things I Learned From Calling A Crisis Line

Originally published January 2. 2020

“Even in a fucking crisis
I’m never on some switching sides shit.” -Big Sean

I work with families who are involved with the child welfare system. Sometimes those families experience mental health crises. For that reason, I have my various crisis line phone numbers saved in my work phone. I want to be able to provide a resource when other supports are not enough. In November, I needed that resource for myself.

Last post I mentioned that I called a crisis line. It was the first time calling the county’s mental health crisis line for myself. That morning I sat in my room overwhelmed by incomplete work, heart palpitations, clutter, mental confusion, shortness of breath, and panic I don’t think I’ve experienced before. I couldn’t reach my therapist. And my honey was sleeping after working the night before. I had an hour to get myself together before I had to show up to help a client get themselves together. So I called the crisis line. Here’s what I learned from that experience.

Crisis Workers Are Trained Well

I spoke to two people. The first person gathered general information and then transferred me to the second person who provided a little counseling. Each person spoke slowly and calmly which instantly relaxed me a bit. I felt no judgment and could tell they were practicing active listening. I felt at ease talking to them.

I Still Felt Stigma About Needing Help

I know the revolution will not be stigmatized. But when asked for my personal information I hesitated. What if that person knows me? What if they know where I work? Will my mental health problems prevent me from doing therapy work? If I’m any good at my job I should be able to counsel myself?

Why do we do this with mental health? We wouldn’t shame an orthopedic doctor for not setting their own broken bones. We don’t disqualify doctors’ orders because they’ve gotten the flu. But mental health is viewed differently. The hesitation I felt was based on the real possibility that I could be viewed as unstable. I could be deemed unfit to do my job or, worse, raise my son. Ending mental health stigma is more than being honest about your health. It’s about confronting systems so it’s safe to do so.

I Already Knew What To Do

Cognitively, I knew what to do. But anxiety plays tricks on my cognition. It overrides whatever lucid thoughts manage to sneak through. I needed to hear suggestions from a more trusted source. In this case, strangers. Strange, but true. By the end of the call, I had a game plan so sweet I may have come up with it myself.

Use essential oil and drink herbal tea to quickly soothe my heightened nervous system.
Do something physically grounding such as stretching or taking a hot shower.
Contact my doctor about possibly increasing the Zoloft dosage.

I did those things and I made it through a day that I thought was going to crush me. It didn’t. And I have the crisis line to thank.

Categories: : Wellness