Quote from: learningtolive on August 19, 2013, 12:58:45 PM
I agree and disagree.  Hotlines are great, but it shouldn't be seen as the only effective way for us to help.   If someone is depressed and having suicidal thoughts, sometimes (not always) they may just want a meaningful one on one conversation.  Pms and forum chats can do wonders.  It just depends on the individual situation.  I've seen it work before.

Well yeah, you definitely don't just pass the buck. That person came to you for help meaning they trust you in a deepest of ways.

Quote from: learningtolive on August 19, 2013, 12:58:45 PM
I understand what you mean, but this is a bit of a different topic.  I don't know if this is so much a key or solution to suicide prevention.  Besides, it would be difficult for everyone here to send numerous pms to all the other members throughout the day in order to check up.  If one is on here enough regularly, it's sort of a moot thing unless someone is looking for personal direct contact at that moment or needs someone to have a deep conversation with asap.  Then again, I have always been the sort the responds to others and doesn't reach out in most cases.  I'm weird like that as I have always feared rejection in all forms.

I was not implying everyone should check up on everyone else. I was only stating that if you have started to talk to someone, try to continue to do so. I also fear rejection but sometimes I overcome it.

Quote from: SaveMeJeebus on August 19, 2013, 12:43:07 PM
A conversation can come to end, but you can still make small talk. "How are you?" "What you been up to?" "What did you have for dinner today". It is understandable that people are busy, and you might even have missed the message. If you are busy, letting them know is polite. If you missed the message, don't assume they haven't responded, inquire.

There are certain personality types that hate small talk. It has nothing to do with the person they are talking to. Many of us will if they know the other person needs it or if it's required socially, but personally, I find I need to be told if the former is the case and have trouble remembering if it's the latter. It's nothing personal.

Quote from: learningtolive on August 19, 2013, 12:58:45 PMIf I came off that way, please forgive me.

Nah you didn't.

Quote from: learningtolive on August 19, 2013, 12:58:45 PMEveryone's feelings needs to be taken into account.  I'm just saying there is always a way to improve one's situation even if they don't feel that way at the moment. That's where talking and trying to find out what they desire or learn about changes they may need to make, as you suggested.

Precisely.

Maybe we need information on this site for suicide hotlines that is much easier to find or easier ways for people to reach out when they are really down. When you are really depressed, it's hard enough to find the motivation to take the next breath much less look for ways to reach out to others. Maybe we need a button similar to "report post" , that signals someone you need help.