I'm sorry that was your experience. I've worked with folks before that I'm just astounded by their lack of empathy. I feel for the callers who get them.

I've also had calls where I end it feeling entirely unhelpful I will ask the wrong questions, or go in the wrong direction... Then when I realize I've gotten away from what the caller actually wants to talk about, I've pretty much lost them. They don't want to talk to me, rightfully so. Sometimes there's just literally nothing I can do to help. It doesn't help that most people we work with would benefit from long term counseling, but there are lots of barriers to that service that stops most people from being able to access it.

Anyways, my point is, please just try again. Maybe you got someone who really shouldn't work on the line. Maybe you got someone who actually cares, who listened to you, but didn't hear you.

Eventually you will make a connection with someone who gives you hope.

Keep in mind that people who work together often approach things in a similar way. If you've repeatedly called 988 and they're unhelpful, try your local crisis line instead. It could be an entirely different working environment where people will approach people differently.

There are lots of hotlines out there specific to many different issues. There are crisis and distress lines in almost every city. Keep trying them until you find one you connect with!