Could you be a Samaritan volunteer ?
Who are Samaritan volunteers? Samaritans are ordinary people. You have
probably travelled with a Samaritan on the bus or waited next to one in
the supermarket. You may even work with someone who is a Samaritan. What
makes Samaritans special is their discretion, reliability, open-mindedness
and patience. They can make the commitment to spend some of their time
each week supporting those who are enduring a personal crisis.
Are you ordinary enough to be a Samaritan?
| “I
don’t want to get up! Why should I? There’s nothing
to get up for. Nobody cares if I do or if I don’t. Why should
I put myself through the torture of facing another day? I just want
to pull the duvet over my head and hope that I go to sleep and never
wake up again. Well – that’s not strictly true. I really
don’t want to die but I can’t face living in this ‘big
black hole’ any longer. I am tormented with the questions
‘Why?’ and ‘Why me?’ I’m not a bad
person so why do I feel like I am being punished?
My name is Linda, I am 38
years old and married with three children and, when I can think
logically, I know I have no reason to feel this way. My husband
has a good job and provides well for us – so why can’t
I be civil to him when he tries to help? I can be bad tempered,
angry, off-hand, silent and distant with him. Once I brandished
a kitchen knife at him. I was terrified and, at the same time, ashamed
of myself but I couldn’t help it. My teenage daughter asks
me to go shopping with her but I don’t have the energy. Anyway,
it would mean washing my hair and tidying myself up and I can’t
be bothered. This old dressing gown suits me fine and who cares
if I brush my hair? My middle child is becoming a problem. She is
always sullen saying she is bored all the time. Maybe that’s
true – she no longer attends her classes for dancing, swimming
or gymnastics as I am in no fit state to get behind the wheel of
a car and take her. My youngest is losing out at school as I no
longer help him with his homework or attend anything to which parents
are invited. I think all my family hate me - and who can blame them?
I hate myself - I’m a waste of space, an ineffectual being.
I’m weak and feel all alone, even my sister doesn’t
visit any more as she says I depress her and I should ‘get
a grip’ and ‘pull my socks up’. I would if I could.
I don’t want to be like this. What can I do?”
|
| Will I
pull the duvet over my head again and hope not to waken up or will
I reach out for the article in this week’s newspaper giving
the ways to contact Samaritans? |
When you read this short extract from the life of Linda, do you feel
anything for her? Is it possible you could do something for her? Could
you care for her by giving your time to listen to her and offer emotional
support? This lady is trying to cope alone with many problems and with
feelings she doesn’t understand including shame, guilt, weakness,
fear, isolation, neglect and suicidal thoughts
We at Samaritans cover the whole spectrum of human needs, some of which
are stated above. To care appropriately for callers like Linda, we need
more volunteers to help in our Branch. We are looking for people who will
be committed to weekly duties and to the care of every caller who contacts
us. As we offer a 24 hour/365days of the year service, we require dedicated
volunteers who can give time both during the day and during the night.
Could you help?
If you feel you could offer to help those who feel they have
no-one else to turn to at times of crisis in their lives, or help with
our vital fund raising you are invited to:
Alternatively, you may be experiencing some of the thoughts and feelings
expressed by Linda and would value someone to whom you could talk in confidence
and who would be non-judgemental and caring. If so, you may reach Samaritans
by
Telephoning the local branch in Kirkcaldy 01592 654242
Visiting the branch at 246, St Clair St., Kirkcaldy KY1 2DB
Write to Chris, P.O. Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA
By e-mail to Jo @ samaritans. org
|
