31/03/2026
Carl reached out to Samaritans when his thoughts became unbearable, and he didn’t know who else to turn to. The conversations he had with our volunteers, saved his life.
Here’s his story 👇
“I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 when I was 24, though I believe it’s been with me since I was a little boy. For many years, my mental health was unstable. The loneliness, the intrusive thoughts, and the constant feeling of being trapped were overwhelming. Being gay has also shaped my mental health journey. I grew up suppressing my sexuality, it wasn’t something I could easily talk about.
“I called Samaritans many times, often late at night when other helplines were closed. I remember one call in particular when I told them, “I want to end my life, but I can’t do it to my mum and dad.” That was the level of distress I was in. But every time, the person on the end of the phone just listened. They didn’t judge, they didn’t rush me, they listened. And that’s what pulled me back from the brink.
"The conversations I had with Samaritans saved my life. I can say that, without hesitation. I’m alive because they were there when I needed them.
“Since then, I’ve turned my experiences into something more positive. I now work as a secretary for Men’s Sheds and previously worked in community support and volunteering for over a decade. Bipolar 1 can be destructive, but I’ve tried to channel it into something constructive instead of letting it define me.
“Looking back, I can see how financial struggles, loneliness, and mental health all feed into each other. I imagine many people who phone Samaritans today are facing similar financial pressures.
“The main thing I’d say to anyone in crisis is this: Samaritans saved my life. When you need to talk to someone, when you’re desperate, and you feel like there’s no way out, they’re there. They might not solve everything, but sometimes, having someone simply listen is enough to help you make it through the night.”
