Recent Suicide threat post

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I just wanted to thank those of you who called to my attention a

recent post mentioning the desire to committ suicide. I have

written that person off list, but also wanted to post a reminder of

our guideline and why it is in place.

It is against our guidelines to post messages discussing

self-injury ideations, or implying or outright making imminent

suicide

threats. Please contact your healthcare provider immediately with

your concerns! You can also call 1-800-SUICIDE.

Our policy is that you need to find help immediately in your own

area. You can certainly talk about general suicidal feelings, as

long as you are taking responsibility for dealing with them with

your own therapist. I hope this is clear and you understand this is

the best approach for all concerned.

The reasons for this guideline include:

1. We are not equipped to handle emergencies. People who feel

this way need to make a local contact ASAP. You can also call 1-800-

SUICIDE.

2. Our groups are anonymous and it is not possible for a

person

to help. It is in the best interest of the suicidal person to seek

local help. A website which claims to offer help in finding local

assistance for suicidal persons it at www.suicidology.org. Although

we can't vouch for that site, or the accuracy of the info on it, you

can still feel free to check it out.

3. Nons tend to take more responsibility for things that they

shouldn't. People are here to aide in recovery for themselves or

others. This is a boundary violation. Other list members should not

have to take on the responsibility for another person's life when

they are having problems of their own--even though they are very

much aware of how their fellow list members feel.

4. It creates needless panic and disruption on the list. We

are

not crisis driven.

5. The facilitators, like everyone else, do not want to take

on

the responsibility for life or death of someone on the list. Our

policy is that you need to find help immediately in your own area.

You can

certainly talk about general suicidal feelings, as long as you are

taking responsibility for dealing with them with your own therapist.

I

hope this is clear and the groups understand this is the best

approach for all concerned.

Sincerely,

R.List Manager, The Welcome to Oz Online Community for Family

Members with a Borderline Loved One