I agree, threads like this are important as long as everybody is respectful of one another's point of view and listens as much as they speak. It's amazing what can be accomplished when we stop thinking we know what's 'right' and open our minds and hearts to considering that we may not know... (I'm not saying anyone has been disrespectful in this thread or hasn't kept an open mind.)

Saying or alluding to the fact that you're going to 'end it all' either in the forums or chat will lead to the inevitable PM to that person with the possibility of further action. As Dexter has said, discussing suicidal thoughts in the past or the like isn't specifically prohibited and can actually be quite helpful. But the "I'm leaving life, goodbye!" posts (or chats in the chatroom) are not tolerated here. Once one of the mods or myselfs is PM'ed about such a post or chat room conversation, we're going to take action in most cases.

As others have said, actively being suicidal and posting about it is probably not the best way to get help. That's why suicidal posts aren't allowed. Suicide is such a serious issue that we believe -- firmly -- that only a real-life professional or suicide hotline is the way to get help. Relying on the support and care of the community is simply not appropriate.

I am heartened to read this thread, because it really has given a lot of people a chance to discuss these issues in a safe and respectful way. I've enjoyed it and hope it continues!

Best,
DocJohn