AIBU to use helplines?

[endofmytether4]

I've been struggling a lot lately and have seen my GP numerous times about my mental health.

I find it helpful to talk to someone and am on the waiting list for talk therapy as I can't afford it privately. My problems are situational and out of my control and I find the less I talk about them the more I start to spiral.

I told a friend the other day that I often call helplines. She was horrified. She said that it was 'embarrassing and unnecessary'. I noticed last week when something was in the news she posted the Samaritans number with #ItsOkNotToBeOk

I know they're not a long term solution but sometimes a quick phone call and vent is what gets me through the day.

It’s literally what they are there for.

Depends what you’re venting about?

Maybe think of other local groups that are available so you can meet people who understand your situation rather than helplines?

Your friend is actually no friend at all. Bin her and call the helplines whenever you need support.

Helplines are there to help, of course you are not being unreasonable!

Of course you’re not unreasonable to use them!!🙄

Your friend is being a dick.

You do what you need to do to survive and I'm so pleased that there are helplines there when you feel you need them

And that's why they exist! Good on you for identifying ways that help you and pursuing them.

Your friend is being insensitive and perhaps doesn't realise just how low you get.

I wouldn't lean on her, she sounds emotionally immature

You're using them precisely the way they're meant to be used. Your friend's comments were completely inappropriate.

Your friend must be very fortunate to have not suffered from any mental health problems. Those helplines are there for that very purpose - helping someone who is struggling.

I've had depression and anxiety for many years, and it's got worse since my stroke last year. I did a self-referral online, and I've got my 1st ever counselling session, face-to-face this week - and now am worrying about what to say/what if I cry/what will the person think of me/how will it help etc.

@BluebellsGreenbells

Depends what you’re venting about?

Maybe think of other local groups that are available so you can meet people who understand your situation rather than helplines?

I've had a look online and most things either haven't restarted due to the pandemic, take place in the evening or have long waiting lists.

@MyGlassKeepsLeaking

Your friend must be very fortunate to have not suffered from any mental health problems. Those helplines are there for that very purpose - helping someone who is struggling.

I've had depression and anxiety for many years, and it's got worse since my stroke last year. I did a self-referral online, and I've got my 1st ever counselling session, face-to-face this week - and now am worrying about what to say/what if I cry/what will the person think of me/how will it help etc.

She actually does have MH problems but she was prescribed medication and it works for her so she thinks that's how everyone else should operate. While posting performative things on her instagram.

I've had counselling before and my strongest recommendation is that if you don't click with the person- ask for a switch. You won't achieve much with a counsellor who doesn't 'get' you.

That’s what the lines are therefore. Ignore your friend. You perhaps seem like you are coping better than you are. You don’t need to be on your last legs to use helplines. In fact better to not wait until then. You are doing the right thing. Hope things improve soon

A lot of peer support groups went online during Covid, so maybe it would help to find some that relate to your particular issues. But nothing wrong with ringing a helpline if it helps.

Of course YANBU this is what helplines are there for!

Did your friend even offer you support or just berate you for seeking it? Weird reaction.