To think this is utterly shit (Samaritans related)

[PomBearWithAnOFRS]

It was a recording. Not a real person. Just a fucking recording with trite phrases.
If they just said "all our people are busy right now, keep trying" it wouldn't be so bad, but to hold for 10 minutes then get a fucking recording is enough to push someone over the edge.
I know this is aibu but can one of you PLEASE just tell me I am a worthwhile person and I will be ok... PLEASE.

[HubeusRagrid]

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way OP. I hope you've managed to get some sleep and your meds are kicking in. Is their anyone you can talk to in real life or go and visit today? Or as others have suggested just have a chill day watching Netflix, a nice long bath maybe?
Absolutely rubbish about the recorded message and definitely worth feeding back when you're feeling up to it. I'm glad you were able to get some support on Mumsnet when you needed it. Sending you a big hug. Xx

[Tinkobell]

Marillion! yay! Kayleigh never fails to lift the spirits! 😀 got me humming it now! Hope you’re day picks up op. I’ve got a banging hangover this morning - wouldn’t mind but I only drank 2 bloody glasses, what a swizz. Have faith storms do blow over eventually.

[Tinkobell]

Try some Meatloaf too - power of glam rock!

[NamechangeProtectIdentity]

All the pp shocked and disgusted by the recorded message, feel free to sign up to the Samaritans today to fill the slot.
The Samaritans are run by Volunteers and the ONLY reason there was an AM on is they didn't have enough volunteers on duty.

OP, this is not a dig at you. I hope things improve today. Please keep trying with them

[GlendaSugarbeanIsJudgingYou]

Oi Pom, what the fuck? YOU ARE AMAZING.

And you are going to continue to be amazing because we here on MN have said so.

Now get your arse back on this thread for a massive hug.

[sandalsinthebin]

True, but how much time are you volunteering to help man the phones, sandalsareinthebin?

So you agree it's crap. And it is. I'm not saying the Samaritans are crap I'm saying that the lack of volunteers is crap. I was shocked to find out that this happens. I've just applied for more information on how to volunteer because of this thread. Always told myself I work too many hours and have too many kids to have time to volunteer but of course I can find a few hours (as can most of us). Hope you're feeling better OP.

[Roussette]

Well done sandalsinthebin.

Samaritans are very good at monitoring when the pinch points are. They know that ansaphone is not good and they will know how many callers have gone to ansaphone in any given time. They then work hard at making sure the branches are open and staffed if there is a pattern to this. There are busy times and not so busy times like anywhere.

But bottom line is... if there aren't enough volunteers, there aren't enough. They work very very hard at recruiting and keeping the numbers up, retaining Samaritans, finding out if they leave - why they leave, addressing that. However, they are forever looking for volunteers, there are never enough - if the numbers are up they open more shifts and that means less or no ansaphone messages.

[Ghoulestofmums]

I used to be a Sam listening volunteer but resigned after head office entered into a partnership with Paddy Power - one of the largest gambling firms in an industry which creates a huge amount of suffering and suicide. In my view by their actions Sams were validating that industry. I wonder how many other people resigned for the same reason creating a shortage of volunteers.

[BarbaraStrozzi]

Pom have a hand-hold. (I've loved your posts over the years). I hope you feel better soon, and the meds start to kick in. Hiding under the covers sounds a good plan, but make sure you add in some stuff to help you, like a nice warm drink, something to eat and maybe some of your favourite music on in the background.

[LunchBoxPolice]

@PomBearWithAnOFRS
What’s happened to make you feel this low? Has something happened, is it a long term thing that has built up? Maybe writing it out would help.
X

[StrangeLookingParasite]

µI have taken them and am just cowering under the covers waiting for them to work and thanking the powers that be that I am off work the next couple of days.*

Just wait for the bounce. What you're feeling now is not how you will always feel. We're always in motion.

[AtrociousCircumstance]

The criticisms about the recorded messages are NOT that they exist - the issue is Pom thought for a minute she’d got through to a real person and the bot momentarily tricked her.

If the recording had been clear and upfront that is was just a recording, it wouldn’t have been so painful.

Hold on Pom, this too shall pass

[DotBall]

Marillion! Saw them at the Hammersmith Odeon (now the Apollo) in the late 80s, superb! I follow Fish’s Facebook page. He’s turned into a seemingly lovely old gent who likes his family, his garden allotment and is still touring. Check it out!

[YetAnotherBeckyMumsnet]

Hello there @PomBearWithAnOFRS - we're really sorry to hear you're having a hard time and we hope you get in touch with The Samaritans today. In the mean time, you might find some useful information on our Mental Health resources. You can also go to the Samaritans website or email them on [email protected].

Support from other Mumsnetters is great and we really hope you will be able to take some comfort from your fellow posters, but as other MNers will tell you, it's really a good idea to seek RL help and support as well.

We also like to remind everyone that, although we're awed daily by the astonishing support our members give each other through life's trickier twists and turns, we'd always caution anyone never to give more of themselves to another poster, emotionally or financially, than they can afford to spare.

We're going to move this thread over to the Mental Health section shortly.

[SunshineCake]

28 years ago I applied to be a Samaritan volunteer but didn't make the cut for being too open. I wouldn't dare try again .

PomBear hope you are feeling better.

Years ago I posted when having a crisis and it is lovely to see you are getting a better response than I did.

[DingDongSchadenfreudeOnHigh]

28 years ago I applied to be a Samaritan volunteer but didn't make the cut for being too open.

I did the same decades ago, too Sunshine.

I also for a while would recognise a couple of people who did make the cut (just because they were on the course with me - it's like the SAS or Fight Club - you don't talk about it). I wonder if they ares till doing it - it's quite arduous - if someone doesn't turn up for their shift, you are expected to stay on(or were, don't know if it's the same now); if someone is on the phone for 6 hours, then so are you, even your shift ended 5 hours and 30 minutes ago; if someone appears to be using you as an aid to masturbation - tough - you stay on the phone because you just do not know if they may be on the brink of suicide; if someone spills hideous details of harrowing abuse, you carry them with you (there are opportunities to talk these out, obviously, but there are some things you can't "unhear" . . .

Samaritans are an amazing bunch.

[DingDongSchadenfreudeOnHigh]

Sunshine - I'm sorry to learn that you got an unsympathetic hearing on here some years ago. I hope we've grown since then.

I'm glad you seem to have come through it.

[PomBearWithAnOFRS]

You are such lovely vipers - thank you all.
I am still in bed, but am feeling a bit more "with it" than I was.

[Rudolphsjinglebells]

Glad you came back to us with an update and are feeling a bit better. Is there anything you feel like doing for the evening? Watching a movie from the comfort of your duvet or getting a takeaway? Anything that would lift your spirits for a while?

[Mummyoflittledragon]

Good. I’m glad you’re feeling more with it. That probably a little more like the real you.

[SunshineCake]

Thank you DingDong. I just stopped posting when things were really bad. I had quite a few threads and it got too much when all were attacks. I did have a more recent one and while it wasn't generously answered people were kind and I do talk to one lady who has hung in there with me.

Sorry for making this bit about me, Pom. . Hope you continue to feel better.

[DingDongSchadenfreudeOnHigh]

It's surprising how upsetting being the target of spite from complete strangers can be though - especially when you are vulnerable emotionally and mentally. and haven't done anything to invite the vitriol except ask for a bit of hand-holding or advice..

[SunshineCake]

It is and it is also embarrassing but I have no family and in-laws who don't understand along with three tiny children at the time and it was all really difficult.

[arigina]

Glad there's a chink of light coming through OP ..any relief to heavy negative thoughts helps x

[LyraLaVey]

To Pom or anybody else who might be struggling, from 5pm till midnight you can call the CALM helpline 0800 585858 too. They also have webchat. Hope you're feeling better this evening