What do you do about people who post cryptic "cries for help" on SM?

[Holtome]

I seem to have a few people in my circle who often post things like "really struggling with mental health today" or "can this day get any worse?".

I like to think I'm a supportive, kind person and if anyone were to say that to me face to face I'd be all ears and want to help if I could. On line, I'm afraid it makes me roll my eyes.

If it was a close friend I'd call them to find out what's going on (but my close friends wouldn't do it). These are people I know to have a chat with if I bump into them, but not close friends.

Ignore them..
I include 'why is it always me' 'here we go again' and 'poor baby' as phrases that irritate the life out of me

You’re contractually obliged to reply: “You OK, hun?”

Yes! So they can then reply with “ DM me Hun, too many snakes, just me and the kidz from now on “

I scroll past and ignore.

I don't think feeding attention-seekers really helps them.

Absolutely ignore

Assume they have started one of the many side hustles and are trying to pique my interest in order to go in for the hard sell. It’s a proven selling technique.

I have muted all the attention seekers on social media. If they are truly in need they will text me.

Ignore & also mute repeat offenders even if they are people I generally have a good relationship with in person.

PM me hun xxx

or

Shared in Blackpool hun xx

I ignore the narcissistic twats.

I once had a friend who would 'check in' to some hospital or other on facebook, with the words "Here again 😕😕".

Cue a whole bunch of people commenting 'U OK Hun?' 'OMG what's happened??' and similar. It always turned out to be some random routine appointment for a checkup of her dc's ongoing and very mild condition, which everyone already knew he had anyway.

Some acquaintances have started crying online or posting teary selfies.

mute/block them.