Can we have a proper discussion about the way some threads go?

[MissStrawberry]

I am posting after reading an upsetting thread where someone has an unusual problem and are threatening suicide.

I am really embarrassed at the amount of people who are troll hunting, goading and generally acting like they know this is a piss take and are posting accordingly.

We are all meant to be adults but the posters mentioned are acting like immature idiots to my mind.

While I accept no one can make someone do anything they don't want too, it is proven that on line bullying can make someone tip over the edge and take their own life.

What is this was your child, your husband, your wife, your mother, your friend, your child's friend? Wouldn't you want them to be helped, guided and supported?

It does not matter to you if this person is genuine or not but if they are and they die what then if it turns out it is your child, your sister, your neighbour?

If you post a genuine reply on a difficult thread and it is someone taking the piss it does not matter. It you post a genuine reply on a thread that someone is piss taking on it could help someone else.

If you post a cruel or goading thread on a thread that is genuine then you could be adding to their already fragile situation and while you will move on and not give it a second thought it really could mean the end for someone else.

I expect plenty of, it is their own choice, no one can make anyone do anything they don't want too, there must be other issues, etc etc etc but if you are that dismissive and care so little why post at all?

Mental health is not understood by so many people. Even now people say pull yourself together and think you choose to be depressed. Emotional problems the same but while there are supposed adults posting such disgraceful crap I fear for everyone who suffers now and in the future.

One day your child could be posting for help. How would you feel if they were ripped to shreds?

MNHQ - I think you need to have someone permanently on a thread like that as there are many posts on that particular thread that really should be have gone hours ago.

This is the internet. Anyone can post what the heck they like. 15 yo boys in America don't join MN to commit suicide on line. FB would be hugely more effective. Get a bit of scepticism. It is healthy. Don't invest too heavily in stuff.

I was one of the posters who was very upset by that thread. I assumed by the title it was a younger mum disparaging older mums so I went to tell them to, we'll get a grip on age discrimination.

I shouldn't have allowed myself to get sucked in and as many others have said believing OP was a troll, left the thread. The lovely Madame calmed me down and I got some truly beautiful and supportive PMs from very caring posters.

While I stand by my belief it was a very cruel wind up, I want to sincerely apologise to the posters here who I hurt or offended with my assumptions. You're all names I recognise and know to be kindly people. I really want to thank you, especially Madame who didn't attack me for being so emotional but truly instigated stopping my ranting and calming me down. To those who PMed me, you know who you are.

I very much agree with Beer and Usual and others about MN locking threads and offering real life support, I have had very dark times and I completely agree that Internet posts can tip you over the edge. As blunt a poster as I am, I'm very 'heart on sleeve' so if I posted here in a dark place, that wouldn't be wise nor fair on posters. The majority of us are not trained to deal with genuine suicidal people.

I think if MNHQ insists that post stands the title should be changed or at least have a warning. I know how to avoid suicide threads from the titles as they have always been clear to me up to this point.

Well said, SpecialAgent.

You had every right to rant and express your feelings on that thread, you have absolutely nothing to apologise for.

I'm liking the balls, minty.

I could put them to good use on many a thread on here just lately.

Where was this thread? Intrigued!

Porto, I did not invest heavily in that thread. I am in this as I see no need for additional rules on this site. I like it as it is, although SATQ's suggestion of putting a warning on the title sounds good.

There's another thread in chat with a very similar subject. Whether they've been inspired by the thread mentioned here, I don't know.

But it does make me think a locking of suicidal threads would be a very good policy.

I've just noticed that smallpenisgate got deleted eventually, and read the message. Did MNHQ say anything else on the thread?

They said basically what is said on the deletion post. That given the OP never came back, he might actually possibly not have been genuine and it was all very difficult and if he was genuine they hope he is seeking RL help.

I am musing on how come everyone immediately posts to say "no he won't" when a partner posts to say her (usually it's a woman) husband/boyfriend has threatened suicide if she leaves him etc etc.

Why are those threads different? Are we allowed to ridicule (because that's what we do, always) those posts because it's a 3rd person telling us? (just musing here)

I agree with everything Beertricks has said on this thread. What I found particularly worrying yesterday was that I could almost imagine a handful of posters on that thread putting their day to day Monday life on hold because they were "saving" somebody. "Can't come to playdate, am talking someone down from suicide".

It was scary to read.

Here, here Birds.

I imagine 'Charlie' got much more wank fodder from the sympathisers than those who cracked it.

I know this because when I was young, stupid and very angry, I went through a trolling phase. The people who spot you tell you to fuck off occasionally. Others dedicate their time to you. Therefore as a troll, it makes sense to respond to those involcing themselves the most.

I'm an adult now and ashamed of the crap I put on the net but that's honestly how my friends and I did it.

I suppose it's like prank phone calls, but often I think that youngish adults do it too. I wonder why? Boredom? Amusement? Are they on their own or sniggering with their mates?