Creating Positive Impact Through Suicide Hotlines

By Donald Turner


It is important to consider volunteering in a service that helps people and fosters well being as its primary aim. Crisis intervention is often a field where this comes into play. For reasons of unique to an individual, people face areas of distress in their lives. The problematic issues may be so strong it compels one to end his life. If you feel resilient enough to be of help in these areas, perhaps you should volunteer.

The first thing to ask is if there are specific populations you are curious about. Suicide hotlines are one of many specializations in this discipline. The reasons for personal turmoil vary, they might constitute rape victims, the homeless, the ostracized, sexually abused and victims of racial discrimination. You can also come at it with pure academic interest initially. Wanting to learn more about a group, make the activity a venue to augment your knowledge.

These agencies will not directly assign you to shoulder sensitive calls. One thing to expect is a training period. This is an ideally standardized process because high quality facilitation is a benchmark for a sufficiently funded institution. When you learn, you will gradually understand what it takes to assist the distressed. You will gain expertise in building rapport, listening and giving appraisals and some ethics that are aligned with the values within your agency.

Expect role plays and mock situations where you and a partner take turns being client and counselor. The fundamentals of speaking and reacting to different personalities are tackled during these sessions. Sometimes, difficult scenarios are played out for you to navigate. Your mentors are there to guide you if these situations come up and participating in these helps you gain confidence before the real thing.

Basic phone etiquette is also included in lectures. Essential topics such as honoring confidences, empathy and respectful conversation styles will be covered. With growing hands on experience, you can rely on your own responses.

During your immersion, the importance of self care is revealed as well. In fast times, people have a hectic schedule. Many employees hardly think of time for relaxation. Being stationed in a crisis center hub could take a toll in the long run. Be sure to relax and rejuvenate. Take a vacation or you might eat out with family and perform recreational activities you enjoy. Having a heavy workload will cause burnout, so also prioritize some unwinding.

Self awareness is another benefit you can reap as a volunteer. When becoming involved in psychological exercises, you often discover aspects in your personality that you have yet to reveal. You potentially discover your emotional strength and hardiness.

Flexible schedules work to your advantage. Align your itinerary with the slots that are of most convenience. If a certain portion in a day could be used sufficiently, then select those shifts.

Making a difference is the ultimate result when you give affection and care to another. Social responsibility goes hand in hand with personal achievement. Because of excellent service, you may even be granted with certain job recommendations in related fields. These are just some of the perks in volunteering.




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