Recognising someone who's struggling?

[flutterworc]

Okay, just read a thread and about 95% sure that I know who this person is. She's really struggling. Do I offer practical help (either on the thread or a PM) because I know how hard it is to cope in her situation, or do I leave her with her privacy? Dilemma...

I think if you post your life on a public forum and don't take steps to disguise who you are (I don't - and events over the last year of my life which I have posted about would mean anyone who knows me in RL would easily identify my posts on here, I'm okay with that and I name change for things where I wouldn't want to be identified) then you have to be aware of the possibility of being identifiable in RL.

If your intentions are kind OP (which they seem to be) then I'd contact the friend with offers of help.
I'd mention MN in relation to this - not least so that she realises she is identifiable and can take steps to avoid this in the future if she so wishes.

Oh - PM, not on the thread.

and you need to consider whether you wish to name change if you don't wish your MN username to be identified to her.

PM, or text if you are close enough to have her number.

Pm probably

I think it depends. Is what they've shared something they would ever admit to in real life?

Could you pop around/give a random call rather than do it through mumsnet?

(Unless it's me! These threads always make me a bit paranoid).

Drop her a message, she'll appreciate it. I'd been struggling with Ds lately and any support would be lovely

I've PM'd. Not her, apparently, but let her know I'm here just in case she changes her mind.