Un believeable

[mikeybill]

"I am feeling suicidal right now"  - this was the facebook update of a guy I know, let's call him  Pete, he works here at Uni  - we're not real life friends, more what I'd call acquaintances, we say hi 4 or 5 times a year maybe. But - what do you do with an update like that

Comments

[jawnbc]

Good job Michael. But don't judge others too harshly: most folks haven't a clue about the difference between metaphoric language and a cry for help. It only takes one person who does...

[smellykaka]

Nice work. Hope it's made a difference.

[mt_yvr]

What I find fascinating - sorry, it sounds clinical - by the implications of this particular story.

First of all, I do feel hugely happy you and all the people behind the screen were so on the ball and able to help.

But it does in fact interest me that FB provided this opening. I'm kind of impressed that people have these kinds of chances to reach out. It means the pool of people that hear cries for help has just been widened.

[mikeybill]

No I totally get what you're saying, and that is the positive side. And earlier this year I had to spend time counselling a young guy whho was suicidal in FB chat - so yes it is good that people can reach out this way.