[sugahorse1]

Just wondering if we could have an "emergency board"? Where people with any disorder can post to ask for assistance and a chat.

E.g. If one is having a really bad time, or suicidal thoughts, we can post on this board, and it can easily be picked up by another forum member and addressed.

I think sometimes our pleas for help are overlooked if they are on boards that other members don't frequent.

Yes, there's the option of chat, but I sometimes battle to access it, and I'm not sure if I'm alone in this.

Originally Posted by sugahorse

Just wondering if we could have an "emergency board"? Where people with any disorder can post to ask for assistance and a chat.

E.g. If one is having a really bad time, or suicidal thoughts, we can post on this board, and it can easily be picked up by another forum member and addressed.

I think sometimes our pleas for help are overlooked if they are on boards that other members don't frequent.

Yes, there's the option of chat, but I sometimes battle to access it, and I'm not sure if I'm alone in this.

hi Sugahorse-I think that is an excellent idea . Many new people are often in crisis and are not sure where to post.

[sugahorse1]

Thanks - i'm thinking about those emoergencies where you need someone to talk to - NOW.
And we can all keep an eye on the activity going on, on that board, and jump in where we can help.
I've been on both sides of the coin - I've needed help ASAP, and at times i've managed to stumble across a recent post where a fellow member also needed help urgently.

[Sabrina]

I think it is a good idea, just bearing in mind that we are all on different time zones.

[sugahorse1]

We are all on different time zones, but there'll always be SOMEONE on the boards

[pegasus]

Sounds good to me!

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Sounds ideal, the chat from what I hear is difficult because there are so many chatting across each other. I don't go into chat but I hear about it a good deal.

[anna342]

I can understand the idea and think people should have a space somewhere for being in desperation, but I can also see another side to it.

I think it'd leave people on the forums feeling responsible for other people's life in emergencies.

It could lead to people feeling like they should help but can't actually physically do anything, and if people leave or disapear after posting about an emergency it can leave those reading about it to feel very anxious and possibly trigger their own problems if they then don't hear from this person again. It could leave them feeling like their help wasn't good enough, that they might have contributing to self harming behaviour or other things like that.

It'd probably risk people not getting a response and using that as another reason to increase self hating thoughts/negative stuff.

I'm pretty sure I have other reasons in my head, but I can't get them out right now, I'll post other things to think about if I do.

[(JD)]

This is a tough one for me... when members are in crisis they need to contact their doctors or go to the ER etc. PC members are not equipped to handle crises.

However, if it were clear that the forum was JUST for contact (no posts about desperation, situations etc) ... if it were JUST to check to see if anyone is around who'd like to chat or PM ... that might work.

How about a general forum for "I'm online and would like to chat, or PM if someone's interested" type announcement."

I know there are those who don't want to use the chat room. Generally, someone needing to chat goes into the (support) room and sits. Those interested will keep track of who's in chat and will join them if they wish. For those who don't chat but wish to PM with someone...the only ways are to post or PM another member they see online (such as a community team member).

How about a sub forum under the General Mental Health forum...for those wishing to chat or PM with someone?

That's still difficult for some because that means members have to notice the date and time of the post and then check to see if someone's online? That is all tough stuff sometimes to those dealing with their own mental health issues.

Well, those are my thoughts. Sorry to make admin read such a long post on Thanksgiving. I was going to give them a break today.

[Skully]

That is a good idea but if someone is in crisis that is best left to the professionals. There are crisis lines and county mental health agencies with 24 hour services to offer. I understand what you mean by having the board section sugahorse, but others may take it as meaning professional advice and misuse the section.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

Just wondering if we could have an "emergency board"? Where people with any disorder can post to ask for assistance and a chat.

E.g. If one is having a really bad time, or suicidal thoughts, we can post on this board, and it can easily be picked up by another forum member and addressed.

I think sometimes our pleas for help are overlooked if they are on boards that other members don't frequent.

Yes, there's the option of chat, but I sometimes battle to access it, and I'm not sure if I'm alone in this.

I dont think theres any need for a board for emergencies. I would be afraid that people would expect each other to start taking care of each others emergency and end up trying to be each others therapists and doctors. we are not supposed to be playing doctors and therapists with each other so if there should be a board for this it would have to be strickly monitored so that no harm is accidentally done to each other.

Somewhere around here I read some post probably stickys saying these boards arent for emergency type situations, that we have to rely on our own treatment providers for emergencies.

that said there is a way to know who is on line so that those who want to talk to someone right now they can see who is on line and then pm them. that list of on line people is at the bottom of the page.

this site has about 20 (havent actually counted them) boards for a whole range of problems to post on.

this site has chat rooms where people can go to talk to one another for support. theres lots of chat rooms, as long as you have 5 posts you should be able to get in there and talk with anyone thats in there or invite someone who is on line to chat with you. theres also ways to create your own chat rooms.

Every member has pm capabilities so that we can talk privately about anything just by pming someone.

theres a whole list of moderators and administrators somewhere around here. and usually at least one or two are on line, I have rarely seen no moderators or the administrators all off line at the same time. so problems or just wanting to talk can be pmed to them.

there is also a way to create your own groups and forum boards and invite who ever you want to be in your group/ forum boards using them you can create your own boards on what ever topics you want.

With all these different options I dont see the need for an emergency board to discuss and take care of each others emergency I need to talk right now needs because its already well covered through posting on existing boards/making your own boards and groups/pming administrators and moderators/ the on line now listing at the bottom of the page.

[pegasus]

Obviously there would need to be a clear notice stating that it is not for anyone feeling suicidal.

I feel it is a real good idea and a good way for people to be able to find someone else online quickly to talk with.

[darkrunner]

In my opinion, this is not a good idea.

Anyone having an 'emergency' should be getting help IN REAL LIFE.

Trying to seek support online from non-professionals can only serve to allow people to put off getting real help because they are scared or confused, etc.

That's just my opinion, but it will be interested in hearing what the site mods/admins have to say about it.

[DancingAlone]

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

[DancingAlone]

Just FYI for a crisis situation, here is a website with a lot of crisis hotline numbers for various issues:

http://www.allaboutcounseling.com/crisis_hotlines.htm

Also, there are online discussions to be able to "express yourself" (upper right, have to sign in--but i haven't been to that area and don't know the "rules")

And, you can look under "Crisis Intervention" or "Hotlines" in your yellow pages. please take care.

[sugahorse1]

thanks for everyone's input. I do see there are 2 sides to every suggestion.
Personally - I am having difficulties with the chat rooms at work (They may well be blocked, lol) so I could only get on at home, but I don't really use PC at home, as my boyfriend would have an issue with it (He's still coming to grips with the mental health thing)
So, on a PERSONAL level, the chat rooms are not an option really for me.
But I appreciate the PM option.

I'd also like some clarification: Amandalouise mentions the moderators. I thought they were only there to "police" the boards. Are the moderators selected on their experience/qualifications...?? Are the moderators there to be PM'd if you're looking for someone to talk to? Sorry for sounding like an idiot. I'm just trying to see the whole picture.
I don't think there are any mods that I've befriended, so it wouldn't be like I'd be PM-ing a friend, just a mod that happens to be online

[pegasus]

(((((((( sugahorse )))))))))

I still think your suggestion is a good one. A forum to kind of shout out and support each other without clogging up other boards sounded real good to me. People saying that you must get professional help only is rubbish, PC is the best for support in my opinion. And anyway there are some professionals here! I do hope DocJohn will consider it.

Regarding mods, I shouldn't really speak for them but I guess they would chat with you if they have time but I think they are mostly busy moderating... They are not chosen on qualifications as far as I know, just on how nice they are..

Ok, hugs to you.

[sugahorse1]

Thanks Pegs

[Skully]

I do think it is a good idea...we just have to have very strict giudelines and when someone comes in that is on the "verge" we have to remember that we cannot give out medical advice and can only encourage them to call for help. I think that will be the hardest because we all have the nature to want to help but in that case we are not qualified to do so. It will be very hard to resist.

[DocJohn]

We have a list of crisis hotline numbers here:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/com...phone-numbers/

We would not have an emergency or crisis forum here, because I don't believe we're the best place for a person to go when a person is in need. What if someone posted to such a forum and no one answered? How would that make a person feel??

I'm also sorry to say, but for chatting, the chat rooms were created for just that purpose. I'm loathe to create another method for people to chat just because the chat rooms are not accessible to all at all times (at work, or for whatever reasons). PM, as mentioned, is one realistic option for now.

Best,
DocJohn

[sugahorse1]

Much appreciated - I do understand where you're coming from. It can cause huge issues if used in the wrong circumstances.
And I totally understand the role of professionals in these circumstances

[pegasus]

(((((((( sugahorse )))))))) You are welcome to post in
Pegs Forum when you are needing support, there is often someone around in the When nobody is around thread.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

I'd also like some clarification: Amandalouise mentions the moderators. I thought they were only there to "police" the boards. Are the moderators selected on their experience/qualifications...?? Are the moderators there to be PM'd if you're looking for someone to talk to? Sorry for sounding like an idiot. I'm just trying to see the whole picture.
I don't think there are any mods that I've befriended, so it wouldn't be like I'd be PM-ing a friend, just a mod that happens to be online

I mentioned the moderators and administrators because they are just like us members of pc. their names are in different colors than ours in the on line list. they help me with my posts and they have told me any time I have any questions or need any help to contact them even if I just need someone to talk to, vent to about things. They have been very helpful to me.

[darkrunner]

Originally Posted by pegasus

People saying that you must get professional help only is rubbish, PC is the best for support in my opinion.

Just because it differs from your opinion, doesn't mean it's rubbish.

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by darkrunner

Just because it differs from your opinion, doesn't mean it's rubbish.

A couple of years ago I was in a near-crisis, 'emergency' type situation and I sought support from someone other than a professional. With that person's help, I was able to patch myself back together and continue functioning, but about a month later I ended up in an even worse situation and almost succeeded in very serious sui attempt.

If I had sought professional help in the first place, I would have received the major intervention that I needed and the second situation probably never would have happened.

So would you go round telling people to only talk to a professional then? At 5 am in the morning for example? When getting support at PC by talking things through could really help, receiving hugs and understanding here until that person can get hold of real life professional support. PC is a life-saver whether it likes it or not.

Besides DocJohn has made his decision on this issue.