Facebook makes it easier for Suicidal People to get Help

Sometimes, all it takes to stop someone from committing suicide is a guiding voice. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is dedicated to this cause, aiming to give advice to those who are having suicidal thoughts to help them through the rough patch. However, now that more and more people are communicating through the Internet, some adaptation is certainly in order. Facebook has taken the initiative by implementing a new feature that will allow users to easily report a friend who has expressed suicidal thoughts or shown suicidal behavior.

By clicking on the report button, located in the top right corner of a post, they can choose “suicidal content” under the harmful behavior option. Facebook will then send that person an email encouraging him or her to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The email will contain a phone number and also a link to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website where they can have completely confidential chat session with someone who can help them.

According to John Draper, the Lifeline’s Project Director, they currently handle more than 70,000 calls a month. However, there are even more people out there who are hesitant to call by phone. The new service will provide those in crisis with a way for them to get help in a way they’re comfortable with.

Indeed, those who aren’t comfortable with the thought of talking personally on the phone may find the chat feature much more desirable, and would allow them to express their thoughts more freely.

Crisis center workers are available 24/7 for those who wish to call or chat. So those who need help can get it at any time.

Indeed, this is a great step towards the prevention of suicide – which was said to be the 10th leading cause of death in the US last 2007. Sometimes, getting to the people at the right time can mean the difference between life and death. This new move by Facebook could help in decreasing the suicide rate, especially in young people. After all, suicide is said to be the third leading cause of death among teens and young adults aged 15 to 24. With more and more teens and young adults expressing their thoughts on Facebook, this could be exactly what they need in order to help them through a suicide crisis.




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