also, you risk getting into the grey area of possibly diagnosing, or offering advice that may turn out to be detrimental to that person, instead of being helpful, when in fact they really do need to call 911, or a family member to get to a hospital, or a pdoc or T (if u r lucky enough to have one with an answering service!).

there are wonderful crisis hotlines that people can access for the "instant help" situation, and other 800 numbers as well. there are also mental health professionals online (for a fee) for any professional help needed(some here at PC--please correct me if i'm wrong!).

but if it's for support, just to not feel so alone, or to have a hand to hold, there's always the chat area "support room", ask someone to talk, and maybe create a private, password protected room for privacy if preferred? (i know too well the feeling of suffering and needing to talk, but i would hate to put someone in a compromising situation if i was in a serious crisis). just IMHO.

DA