Is 16 too young to volunteer for a suicide prevention hotline?

Question

I'm 16 years old and interested in volunteering for a suicide prevention hotline. Is this kind of thing considered as "too intense" for someone my age?

Answer 1

i really don't know but to me it sounds like as though you just want to help people and if helping people is wried than yes ..............lol....hope that i help and good luck ^^

Answer 2

If this is something you really want to do, it's certainly not to soon to start planning. Yes, the hot lines require volunteers to be adults, but you can begin learning now. Look for books or websites on this topic. Teach yourself strategies, learn about warning signs, etc.  Be a good friend at school to others who may need one. Lots of people need help and don't know how to ask for it, so be alert and aware of that. Then when the time is right, you will make a wonderful and well prepared volunteer. You can also start volunteering in other ways now. There are lots of places to volunteer that do not require that you be 18 (or 21). If you are interested, check out Volunteer match or Network for Good to find opportunities in your area. I wish you all the best my friend.

http://www.volunteermatch.org/

http://www.networkforgood.org/volunteer/

Answer 3

Very very stressful job.  I do believe you need to have professional training in suicide prevention and perhaps even a four-year degree.  Good Luck to you.

Answer 4

More power to you honey. Alot of teens might talk to you where as they would feel very uncomfortable talking to an adult.

Answer 5

I dont think it would be a good idea but its nice that you are concerned about other people so early in life.  Wait a while and just live your life now.

Answer 6

16 is too young for most suicide hotlines. I know the one where I live requires volunteers to be 21. This is because of maturity level and life experience. I'm not saying 16-year-olds are immature, but you just don't have the social and life experience that an adult has. Most adults calling a suicide hotline won't want to talk to a teenager who doesn't understand the problems.

But, that said, call your local hotline and ask. It may be different where you live.