In Crisis? Need help? Maybe a hotline can help you...

Are you in crisis? Don’t have a therapist to call, or can’t reach him or her, and feeling alone and desperate? Afraid you might do something you will regret later?

There are MANY hotlines that you can call. I have to tell you, though – don’t expect miracles. I have tried some of these hotlines, and at best, they made me think before acting. Sometimes the person on the line isn’t oh-so educated on the right things to say. In fact, they may say all the wrong things.

But the key is while you are talking to them, you are staying alive and safe for just another minute, another hour. And sometimes that’s all you need – someone to help you make it to the next hour.

So, if you have a therapist – try to find them first. If you can’t find them, the hotlines will get you through until you can read your therapist.

And if you don’t have a therapist, please, please, please try to find someone to talk to. You do NOT have to heal from abuse alone. It’s too hard that way. I tried it for years, it doesn’t work. Healing is hard enough to do with someone. If you can’t afford a therapist, sometimes local support groups and resources for survivors of sexual abuse, where they can get free therapy or therapy at a very discounted rate. Call RAINN’s hotline for help finding local options.

Here are some support lines to call in times of crisis:

1-800-SUICIDE
1-800 273-TALK
1-800-DONT-CUT (Self-harm hotline)
1-800-656-HOPE (RAINN’s hotline – they can help you find local rape or sexual abuse counseling options)

And a website that talks about suicide, and crisis lines, what to expect when you call, and so on.
http://suicide.com/suicidecrisiscenter/incrisis.html


[Note that Stop It Now!’s hotline 1-888-PREVENT is not a crisis line, but a confidential hotline for those concerned about a child, concerned about an adult who they think may be at risk for abusing a child sexually, or for those worried about disturbing thoughts regarding hurting a child themselves. You can read more about Stop It Now!’s hotline here: http://www.stopitnow.org/help.html]

The All-American Rejects - Move Along

I think it's time for some music. What do you all think?

This is for all you Blogathon A-schedule that have a few hours left... and to us B schedule, who have SO MANY HOURS left. :-)

Also, to all you survivors, when you feel like you just can't do it anymore. Put this song on, close (or open!) the windows, and dance yourself awake and onto a bit more hope.

I posted these lyrics earlier. Enjoy the song!

"Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along
Move along

So a day when you've lost yourself completely
Could be a night when your life ends
Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving
All the pain held in your
Hands are shaking cold
Your hands are mine to hold

Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong
Move along, move along like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along just to make it through
Move along"

Or, perhaps, a cup of tea...

If it's night time, and you can't sleep, you really shouldn't be drinking cocoa, and certainly not coffee.

Insomnia and trouble sleeping at night is very common for people who suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), and survivors of childhood sexual abuse have as high as an 80% risk of developing PTSD, especially if the abuser was someone they knew (and 90% of the time -- sadly -- it is).

So... can't sleep, or feeling out of sorts? Try a cup of tea. The pressure point advice I have in my last post works just as well (holding the warm -- NOT hot -- cup against your chest, in the center). Teas that are wonderful for anxiety are kava kava (look in the health food store -- this is AMAZING stuff. Be careful, you may not be able to take it if you are on SSRIs, or if your liver isn't so great... so check with your doctor), chamomile (which has been shown through research to lower anxiety in people who drink a cup or two a day), mint tea, or a combination of chamomile and mint tea (one brand on the market sells this, under the name SleepyTime tea).

###

The risk of a child developing PTSD from abuse goes down if they received help and therapy when they are younger, closer to the time of the crime. But, the ideal, of course, is if we can prevent the abuse from every happening.

Are you concerns about an adult who you wonder may be at risk for abusing a child? Know the signs. Check out Stopitnow.org for great tips, and call their free helpline for advice -- 1.888.PREVENT.

Quick recipe here for my comfort cocoa...

hot water
1-3 tsp of cocoa mix (the kind that is for making chocolate milk that already has the sugar -- of course, it's probably healthier without the sugar, but, you know...)
.5 tsp of instant coffee (leave out if drinking at night -- but for the blogathon, I added 1 tsp!)
'bout 1/8-1/4 tsp of cinnamon
Drop or two of vanilla extract
Some milk (I use rice milk, can't have dairy -- dairy is better, though)

And, if you have, a drop or 3 of Rescue Remedy, Bach Flowers...

Mix all that in a nice mug, something big and easy to hold. When it's not too hot, try holding the mug up against your chest, near the center, the "hug" spot -- this is a point which triggers feelings of comfort when pressed, and a warm (not HOT) mug gently held here will help you calm down,

It also might make you cry.... but it will be good crying. Healthy crying...

(More comfort coming up next)