Woman Calls National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Is Put on Hold

An unnamed Rochester woman was almost sent over the edge after she called the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and was allegedly placed on hold for nearly 20 minutes!

The woman, who is choosing to remain anonymous, recalls being in a very dark place on Friday, March 22nd, suicidal thoughts racing through her mind. She told 13WHAM News, “Deep down inside I just needed someone to talk to.”

When she chose to do the right thing and reach out for help however, there was no one there to give her the support she needed. After holding on the suicide hotline for nearly 20 minutes, she hung up and called back only to be placed on hold again!

Director of the Monroe County Mental Health Department David Putney says,“There’s a greater demand for suicide prevention hotlines, having an adequate supply of mental health professional for hotlines is an ongoing trend that we’ve seen.”

This issue has become more prominent in recent years with the spike in US suicide rates.  According to data from the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System, the national suicide rate has increased 33% between 1999 and 2017.

Eventually the woman gave up on the hotline and was able to get the help she needed by calling 911, which Putney believes was the best thing to do in her position. He said, “We’d rather see someone get connected to the right resources than to be left out without options available.”

Government records have indicated, American suicides are now at their highest point in 50 years. It is now the second-leading cause of death for Americans aged 35 or younger….wow.

I need everyone to listen up, if you or anyone you know is struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts PLEASE get help. You matter, your feelings matter and there are resources to help you. You CAN and you WILL brave this storm.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/