Support Line Recommendations

[Cara_in_Yellow]

Does anyone have support line recommendations? I used to really rely on SANE’s drop-in counselling for when I wasn’t in crisis yet but needed external help to avoid getting to crisis point. 

(For context, I’m now too old to access KidsHelpline, Headspace, or ReachOut. After contacting BeyondBlue I still felt hopeless (though I’m sure they have helped others, and if they have helped you I’m genuinely glad! Would be helpful to know if anyone has had a positive experience with them.) I also always feel like I can’t call Lifeline until I’m in a really, really bad place, and that they’re more crisis management rather than crisis prevention. Edit: Demographically, I can’t call Mensline or 13 Yarn.)

[Captain24]

Hi @Cara_in_Yellow 

Ive had success with beyond blue but the one I call the most is suicide call back service. I’ve never had a bad experience. 

[DogMan79]

SANE was better

Lifeline just Actively Listen. Which for the unfamiliar means mirroring what you say. If you say "I'm struggling" then lifeline counsellors are trained to reply It sounds like you are struggling". They repeat back what you say

BeyondBlue is okay for life coaching. If you have a rental inspection and the stress triggers you to curl up under a doona and shut down, then BB can help to break the big job down into smaller tasks. Then you get surveys saying exactly that (Did your counsellor help break down into smaller tasks?)

BlueKnot can be a good sounding board

[Cara_in_Yellow]

@Captain24 

Thanks! I’ve heard good things about them before so will keep them in mind, including for recommending to others. 

[Cara_in_Yellow]

@DogMan79 

Agreed, SANE was so much better, and Lifeline can be really frustrating when you need something other than active listening.

That’s helpful to know about BeyondBlue. I can imagine that being really helpful in certain circumstances (not in other circumstances, but definitely in some). 

BlueKnot are helpful, thank you for reminding me of them!

[fruitisgood]

@Cara_in_Yellow 

Hey there,  I call a support line called Here For You. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive with them and I find I often can take my time having a good chat with someone. They're limited in what they can offer, as is any support line, and will often steer to helping you get back on track, but I like that they seem to listen first before solutions. Based on what you've wrote they might be a match for what you're looking for. Best of luck ❤️ 

[Cara_in_Yellow]

@fruitisgood 

Thank you so much! That genuinely sounds really promising.