Calling a hotline is one thing you should never be afraid to do. Based on the situation that you just need to talk to someone (as opposed to actually committing or on the verge of committing suicide, in which case it would be a different call), here's what most likely will happen.

Usually a real person picks up the phone right away..generally, most hotlines don't have that automated computer "press 1" stuff - you get a real person. They'll tell you a bit about themselves, and ask you about yourself. But, they won't press for any identifying details about yourself if you're not ready to tell them, like your name or where you're from.

I've called the Kids Help Phone (only available in Canada, i think) a few times and they're very nice people. They just talked to me about the problems i was having and helped me come to a solution on my own.

Which is really what they're there for huh ... ??

Don't be afraid of it. It's nothing to be scared of. They get hundreds of calls a day and are trained professionals at this stuff ... Give it a try.

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When mom found my diaphram, I told her it was a bathing cap for my cat.
~ Liz Winston