Suicidal Users in Group Support

Perhaps one of the most challenging situations you may need to handle as a moderator is when a guest or member uses Group Support Chat as a space to talk about plans to end his or life. This is a delicate issue, which can be upsetting for others in the chat room. It really needs to be handled with great care and sensitivity. The following information outlines how these situations should be managed:

If a user expresses suicidal feelings in Group Support Chat:
1) Your first action should be to click the ?refer? button in their message. This will anonymously send them a pop up message list of crisis resources.

2) If the person continues to express a desire to end their life after the referral message, you can gently say something like:

" [Name], I?m sorry to hear you?re feeling so down right now. Unfortunately, 7 Cups of Tea is not a crisis resource and for safety reasons, we are unable to support you at this time. I am very concerned about your safety right now and strongly encourage you to seek the appropriate help. Please visit this page to find a suicide hotline in your area: https://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html"

3) If, after this, the person remains and continues expressing suicidal feelings in the chat room, please use the moderator mute. This will last for 24 hours. After this time they will be able to participate in Group Support as normal.

Why do we need to refer/mute suicidal users?
1) We are not trained or equipped to help people in crisis
2)Continuing to engage with them can distract them from seeking appropriate help
3)It can be triggering and distressing to other users in the chat room
4)It puts you as a listener at risk of feeling responsible should anything happen to that individual

Remember: You have a responsibility to others in the chat room to keep this space as safe and as trigger-free as possible.

What if the memberdoes not wish to use the resources I have provided?
We know that this can be an uncomfortable situation, but it?s important to remember that getting help is a decision that belongs to that person. The best way you can help them is by pointing them to an appropriate resource - after that it?s up to them. Know what your limits are. You should also bear in mind that every guest/member has to check a box to confirm that they are not suicidal before using the site. If using 7 Cups of Tea for this purpose, they are breaking the conditions they agreed to when entering the site.

How should I redirect the conversation after an event like this?
One of the easiest ways to redirect the conversation after a crisis situation is to focus on another member who wishes to share. Refocus the group as soon as possible.

Sometimes it can be helpful to try a simple conversation starter, such as:

- Would anyone else like to share their story right now?
- How are you alldoing today?
-How is everyone planning to spend the rest of their day/week/weekend?
-Would any of you like to share what?s on your mind?

Self care note: If you have to handle a crisis situation in the chat room and find it causes you distress, please reach out to aPeer Support to talk it through.

If you do not feel comfortable handing crisis situations as outlined above, or have any further questions, please let me know. Thank you!