Two social networking type sites that I frequent have had serious suicidal gestures from users this past week or two. And these aren't support type sites. I have mixed feelings about this.
On one hand I am grateful they said something that raised eyebrows and got other users to inquire deep enough to get to the root issue - suicidal thoughts with intent. On the other hand it frustrates me that people reach out in these secretive ways in places they know their comments could easily be overlooked as just stress or a bad day. After all, these sites aren't run by or moderated or otherwise staffed with professionals.
Maybe I'm also a bit jaded after having been around so many people who claim or even threaten suicide as a form of emotional distress or sometimes manipulation. Most of the time these folks have no intent, no plan, and are just acting up to reach out. But each false "wolf call" makes us all more jaded and unresponsive. And that makes us ready to lash out, belittle, ignore, or punish the next person who may be much more lethal and serious.
I've been in that suicidal place. I know how hard it is to reach out and also the fear of reaching out. And it's a battle you don't have the energy for when you're suicidal. But please, reach out to people who can help. Or be honest and tell your friends that you're suicidal and need them to help you find the pros. A hotline, 911, a hospital emergency room, anything but a covert remark on a social networking site that can easily be missed, misunderstood or seen too late. Your life is worth more than kinda-sorta asking for maybe-if-it-is-not-a-bother help.
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