Samaritans upset me a bit

[champagneshells]

I know they do a great job. This is definitely about one call not a criticism of the organisation.

I am having a hard time and I called them. It was hard getting a word in edgeways as the Samaritan kept talking over me, i said I felt there was nothing positive at the moment and got a mini lecture about my health as in (well you are clearly healthy so that is something positive) and then I was pouring my heart out and she kept laughing! Nervous sort of chortle not bellowing but still inappropriate. Then I got "well the only one who can help you, is you"

It just feels rubbish when you try to reach out for support and feel frustrated and upset!

Sorry to hear that. I had a councillor who laughed in appropriately, I found it hurtful.

That sounds rubbish. To be honest, my one experience with them wasn't greT

Great even

I'm sorry you had a rubbish experience. What she said goes against the training she should have had. They aren't there to cheer you up or spur you to action in anyway. She should have listened and let you talk, nothing more. I hope it doesn't stop you calling them again if you need to

It can be hurtful lady, I was suprised how personally I felt it.

I called them once years ago in a very bad place and the woman actually said 'oh my god you need to talk to someone'. Errrr.......

Made me feel so much worse.

I'm very grateful to their volunteers and I'm sure they save a lot of lives but my experience was a tad soul destroying!

I think there are Samaritans and Samaritans. Good ones are brilliant, but a poor one can knock ypu if you're low.

I had similar experience where one made me feel a bit stupid... was talking about a man who'd been abusive to me and was made to feel an idiot for not realising he was abusive.

Maybe it was obvious from the outside but making me feel an idiot for not knowing didn't help

The man on the phone wasn't horrible at all... it's just not the way I thought a trained helpline counsellor would respond, a man in the pub perhaps but not a crisis helpline

I would make a complaint - my dad is a samaritans trainer and that's totally against their guidelines on several counts I'm sorry you had a bad experience x

I called I was having the worst time of my life I was accused (falsely) by ss of putting my ex above my children they snapped down the phone at me why wouldn't you choose your kids above him seriously I was choosing my kids they wouldn't believe me the Samaritans not believing me made me fucking suicidal

When I was 19 I was diagnosed with a critical illness, I had just got back from hospital and my mum and dad went on a fortnight's holiday leaving me alone to digest what had gone on. It was quite traumatic and I had lost two stone in hospital so was very frail.
In despair I rang the Samaritans for a friendly ear, I had problems with my mum also being emotionally abusive although I didn't recognise it at the time. I explained what had happened to me in hospital and the person just said oh well I don't know anything about that illness,.....so I just sort of said thanks and the call just naturally came to an end.

It actually made me laugh because they couldn't have been more useless!! I have always been very self sufficient and I do believe it's because if I have ever rarely reached out for help it's never been forthcoming

As a former Samaritan , I'm genuinely shocked! This goes against all training. I was always taught to listen not talk, never give an opinion, and most of all Never say 'well at least you have ....' All of which belittles how someone is feeling. I'm so sorry you got a doozer 💐

This is definitely against training. I'm really sorry you had such a crappy experience, especially at a time when you're feeling vulnerable. My experience is the majority of volunteers are great to speak to, and absolutely are there to listen, not to judge or offer opinion or solutions. I really hope this doesn't deter you from ringing again.

I called them once, as I was going to lose my job (my fault entirely) and I suffered the first of a few panic attacks about how was I going to pay the mortgage.

The woman who answered the phone told me that there wasn't anything they could do to help and I should visit my mortgage company first thing to discuss options.

Hi. I had the same experience when my mum died the guy on the phone laughed loudly so I told him where to go and slammed the phone down. That was over 20 years ago and I’ve never forgotten it. I lost my dog last week he died in his sleep, I’m basically over that but what has added to my upset is my job contract comes to an end at the end of next month and I’ll be on the streets as I won’t be able to pay my rent. Nobody seems to understand or care if you have absolutely no family or no one to turn to like me. Even my so called boyfriend has been totally unsupportive. My experience put me off contacting the Samaritans as they were useless and I feel I have no option but to end my life.

@Bearberry sorry it has put me off sadly.

@abbsisspartacus I don’t blame you I told the guy to F off.

@paulineminors Taking your life is really not your only option. Please have a chat on the March support thread on this board or if you prefer we can dm x