A suicidal call is hard to ignore Blog Discussion

urban_spirit

Hey Martin ((wave))

You are too critical of yourself. You picked up the phone to open a door (!) for this man when he could see no way out of his debt - very well done you.

Ignoring it could have been easy, but you cared enough about the situation and are passionate enough about finances to pick up the phone and add valuable input. You 'hooked' the caller into listening with your straight-talking, common-sense advice - you didnt trot out stock sentences which wouldnt have helped the situation one jot. Your passion for the subject also comes across - its obvious you know what youre talking about.

Not being 'polished' doesnt come into a situation like this. If you have to stand on your head, juggling, while blowing a trumpet to get the caller to listen then thats what it takes! The consequences of the caller not listening could be non-reversable.

I dealt with threatened suicide cases in my job for 5 or so years, and your heart is always in your mouth! You have to go above and beyond the call of duty and give 110% (yes, I know that doesnt add up!) to these types of cases, because these people are desperate and at the end of the road-just like the caller.

Well done you! You came across fab, and gave that man a bit of hope.

suekjw

Martin I hope he calls up later this week and says he has made that call. I think you gave him excellent advice.

x_raphael_xx

Just listened to the mp3, really hit home for me because its a thought that crossed my mind as well.

I don't mean to sound smug or anything, because I really real for people on this site, but when I look at how much people owe it makes me feel more positive as my debt is only £7000.

I used to think it was alot and committing suicide seemed to be the only way that I would be free. I'm not a very open person so all this was kept down deep inside, and when it finally came spilling out I was lucky enough to have my best friend with me who has given me so much support and advice.

Now £7000 to me seems so small and now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I just want to tell people that its not the end of the world. Friends and family are much more important.

Good luck to everyone

gilly41

Hi
I have just listened to the call and wanted to say what brilliant advice you gave him Martin.I have tears in my eyes.
This site is fantastic----it has helped me enormously! Well done Martin--you are a star!!
xx

seven-day-weekend

:T Martin, you did a brilliant job, you could obviously empathise with the man's desparation, and told him what he needed to hear with that empathy shining through.

Most importantly you cared enough to pick up that phone. That's beyond any sort of price.

Well done.:money:

loopy_lass

nice one martin...:T top job!... my fella of 6 yrs was 40k in debt thro general overspending. He considered all his options and we struggled for 3 years as a couple (he had his debt before me and told me once we had got together!!!!!!)

eventually he bit the bullet and entered into a trust deed, took him 3 yrs to pay off what they wanted. He is now discharged and back on the road to recovery with me (tight as a DA!) keeping an eye on his finances... so hopefully that stage is well and truly over... what i wanted to say was being in that place of 40k debt is a horrible place, but a trust deed or bankruptcy is not as bad as it seems once your in and swinging, so for those contemplating it, cast the fears aside, it really wasnt that bad, it certainly isnt easy, but its a lot better than the debt.

hth loops

wallyberry

Well done. Whatever the outcome, you cared enough to try to help someone you'd never met before and may never speak to again. That in itself is special.

englishbloke_2

Can I just add that there's a huge number of people in debt - and all sorts of other really terrifying situations. Samaritans is open every hour of the day, every day, to support you. Call us - we're here and we won't judge you or give you a hard time, whatever's happened. We won't tell anyone else, either. Call 08457 90 90 90 in UK. Go on!

B4UgoZzz

Martin,

The fact you took instant action to offer help to this chap during your social time is a true credit to the quality of your character. I'm sure your Mum would be extremely proud.
I also think you handled the situation brilliantly.

Well done indeed Martin.

Cheers, Wilf.

**purplemoon**

I've just come across this thread and listened to the radio show and wondered if there was any update on Paul's situation?

Well done Martin for stepping forward to help this guy in his hour of need, you were superb, and I'm choking back the tears as I type! :A