We Can Talk About Anything

When someone calls our Telecare Crisis and Caring Line, they often have nowhere else to turn. For some, life has become overwhelmingly difficult and lonesome. These conversations can be incredibly challenging for caller and call responder, but by its very nature one thing is certain: no matter how hard it gets, there will always be someone who will listen and provide support. 

Every day our dedicated volunteers answer numerous calls to provide understanding during challenging times, and today we would like to share with you an example of typical interaction we experience as a reminder that together we can talk about anything.

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Hello, this is Telecare, how may I help you today?

Is this a crisis line?

Yes it is. 

I’m not in a crisis. Can I still call?

Absolutely. What’s on your mind today?

I was at the store today. People can be so rude. A man saw that I was about to get in line and jumped in ahead of me. What’s happened to common decency these days? And yesterday a woman cut me off in traffic, almost hit my car. Better if I just stayed home.

Those sound like disturbing incidents. How are you doing right now?

My father was an alcoholic and pretty much checked out. Left my mom to raise me and my two sisters. We lived on social assistance during my teenage years. But I did well at school and got a scholarship and was first to graduate from college in my family.

Good for you. You must be proud of yourself.

Of course I am. Most people get the good life handed to them with no effort. Some of us work for it. I’m a survivor. Most people think I’m ten years younger than I am, because I take good care of myself. Strangers are envious of me.

It’s great that you take care of yourself. You seem to be making good choices.

Don’t patronize me. 

My apologies. I meant to compliment you.

I don’t need compliments. How do you think I got so strong? I rely only on myself. Other people just think of themselves. You can’t trust anyone.

Do you have any family nearby?

A son. But he never calls.

Sorry to hear that.

Don’t be. He’s not worth my time.

Was there anything in particular you wanted to talk about with us today?

I told you I’m not in a crisis.

That’s right. We can talk about anything.

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