It has come to my attention that just days ago, a member of another forum I visit took his own life.

He was obviously suffering from some pretty severe emotional and/or mental distress. Though some others at this forum did have conversations with him, probably even about the subject of taking his life, in the end his mind was made up.

IF any of us are dealing with issues in life, and just need a shoulder to lean on, I ask that we come here, to this thread, and discuss it. Seek help, here and elsewhere.

I hope this thread NEVER gets used, and sits collecting dust for all time. But it's here, if we need it.

In memory of Raymond Scott "Hacker" Bishop. 1993 -2014

I know you're intentions are good, but I don't think this is a wise idea. If someone was to admit here that they were even remotely thinking about committing suicide, and you don't report it to the authorities, this site could become liable. Coming here to talk about your problems is one thing, but I would not allow discussion about suicide. It's a crazy world, and people nowadays like to sue everyone and everything they can.

Yeah, I don't like the idea of talking about suicide on here.

Perhaps private messages with a friend here would work if one felt like that. So far case law has not supported lawsuits against domain sites for failure to report or failure to report in a timely manner persons who frequent those sites who are possibly displaying suicidal tendencies, so liability for this site would be difficult to hold against good intentioned people. 

NLogan wrote :

Perhaps private messages with a friend here would work if one felt like that. So far case law has not supported lawsuits against domain sites for failure to report or failure to report in a timely manner persons who frequent those sites who are possibly displaying suicidal tendencies, so liability for this site would be difficult to hold against good intentioned people. 

Most people who actually commit suicide are already set in their path and those who leave notes or hints are usually trying to gain some attention to their plight or perceived plight even going so far as to make an attempt. They hopefully can be still helped with understanding and psychological professional care.

-end quote

If the owners of a website knew someone was going to kill themselves and did nothing about it, they could be held liable as an accessory to the fact since suicide is technically illegal.

That my friend is a common misconception.  There are no laws against suicide in my state or any other states that I am aware of. People who attempt suicide are not tried for an attempted crime. Assisted suicide is a very different matter,  and is prosecuted as an accessory to a crime,  homicide (if the person directly supplied the means I.e. medication), or as conspiracy to commit a crime. Very few states allow death with dignity or assisted suicide. Cyberbullying that has resulted in a suicide has had mixed results with litigation brought against the bullies and the format or website involved, sometimes successfully against the bullies and sometimes successfully against the website where it was proven to be tolerant or supportive of that behavior. 

NLogan wrote :

That my friend is a common misconception.  There are no laws against suicide in my state or any other states that I am aware of. People who attempt suicide are not tried for an attempted crime. Assisted suicide is a very different matter,  and is prosecuted as an accessory to a crime,  homicide (if the person directly supplied the means I.e. medication), or as conspiracy to commit a crime. Very few states allow death with dignity or assisted suicide. Cyberbullying that has resulted in a suicide has had mixed results with litigation brought against the bullies and the format or website involved, sometimes successfully against the bullies and sometimes successfully against the website where it was proven to be tolerant or supportive of that behavior.  -end quote

Regardless, why bother taking the risk is the way I see it.

Criminal law is based upon trial of a suspected breaker of the law for the purpose of retribution to the victim or society,  punishment of the guilty, hopefully corrections and rehabilitation of the guilty,  under the broad category of justice. Since a person guilty of suicide has technically commited homicide by killing a human being, however since they cannot be tried or held accountable in any way their are no enforceablelaws against suicide. However an attempt at suicide may relinquish a person's civil rights and they can be detained civilly until they are determined not to be a threat to themselves ir others or have received treatment. The are held by civil ordinances and not by criminal law or charges against them. 

Fuzz wrote :

Regardless, why bother taking the risk is the way I see it.

-end quote

I personally agree with you that an open forum is not the best method of reaching or helping others and may be futile.  But there is no risk. There are some successful interventions that have come from concerned people reporting suicidal behavior online where the person was found by ip or other means and a welfare check was done in person by the authorities or even family or friends.  

Forums are a good resource for suicidal people. I can't count how many stories I have heard about that. Either being someone's only friends (at least as far as their perception goes), distraction from horrible feelings, making them feel better with genuine caring and compliments, providing counsel, notifying family or local emergency services when possible and necessary.

Often, people feeling that way find a forum, which doesn't require synchronized responses, speaking, or going anywhere, to be the easiest or sometimes only possible way to communicate with other people. Screen and keyboard are great equalizers as well. We know very little about each other besides what we type. A few thoughts and feelings. That's powerful. It allows expression of what someone might tell no one else they are thinking about. It allows expression of care to strangers.

I know bad feelings. I have never acted on suicidal thoughts. But I understand loneliness, hate, unmotivation, worthlessness, helplessness, sadness, and nothingness to some degree. If someone going through that is on this board, I would not like for them to feel like they have no one in the whole world they can talk to.

I would also hope that if someone needed help they would reach out in whatever way.  I think that is why Vapor created  the thread., obviously upset about the passing of his friend and feeling helpless as is unfortunately all too common with those affected; wanting to help in some way as is his altruistic nature. While I don't think it is the best method it is a method.  Just as fuzz wanted to help with his concern about liability and I wanted to help by attempting to clear up that concern. I think most people would help another in times of crisis and definitely do not want to discourage those seeking help or trying to provide it. No matter how uncomfortable the subject may be.