What should members do if a poster talks of suicide?

3DOCTORS · #1 Sep 16, '11, 8:00 pm

What is the best way to handle these situations without getting into inappropriate medical advice?

Also I suppose from time to time there might be a thread which is phony by a troll, but it's not always easy to tell at first glance.

One wants to help if there's a possibility of being able to, in case that person is really serious and this is the only place he/she feels safe to bring their troubles up.

I read the general rules for posting and the rules about giving medical advice, but did I miss anything, is there anyplace else I should look?

**Trishie** · #2 Sep 16, '11, 9:27 pm

If a poster speaks of suicide, we need to alert a moderator immediately.
The moderator will lock the thread, and immediately set about trying to get help for the person.

We're encouraged to pray for the person, but the moderators allow no risk of any well-meaning person saying anything in good faith that might be actually detrimental to the person or situation.

BigFellaMick · #3 Sep 16, '11, 9:30 pm

Try to get them in contact with a Priest? If you can't really suggest medical help (though I think when a life may be at stake that the rules no longer apply) then you can try and help (if you feel up to it). It's best to leave the handling of that situation to professionals, just try your best to safely guide them to someone who is better suited to train them. Maybe a Priest can help them, if not he can certainly get them to the proper place for whatever aid they seek

3DOCTORS · #4 Sep 16, '11, 9:31 pm

Thanks so much for the info.

Now I know exactly what to do.

And of course I would also pray privately for all involved in such a case.

**Trishie** · #5 Sep 16, '11, 9:35 pm

Mick, we can suggest seeking medical help to someone, we just can't give medical advice, as it could be right, it could be wrong, and if it fails, the responsibility can be a heavy one for individuals and for CAF. Therefore we can suggest professional help, but not give professional advice.

3DOCTORS · #6 Sep 17, '11, 8:36 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trishie

Mick, we can suggest seeking medical help to someone, we just can't give medical advice, as it could be right, it could be wrong, and if it fails, the responsibility can be a heavy one for individuals and for CAF. Therefore we can suggest professional help, but not give professional advice.

Very well put - and a distinction I try to be conscious of - but once in awhile I have worried did I cross the line. It's good to reflect on these things and keep ourselves aware. God bless!

Anathama Sit · #7 Sep 17, '11, 1:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trishie

If a poster speaks of suicide, we need to alert a moderator immediately.
The moderator will lock the thread, and immediately set about trying to get help for the person.

We're encouraged to pray for the person, but the moderators allow no risk of any well-meaning person saying anything in good faith that might be actually detrimental to the person or situation.

Greetings Trishie,

Nice to see you again in Catholic Answers Forum.

I have a question if I may. Do you hit the report thread button to alert a Moderator of such a thread or do you send a Personal Message to a Moderator with the link of the thread in question?

I am not sure of the correct reporting procedure.

God Bless.
Anathama Sit