Why?!

[BlancheM]

Why don't you allow threads full of support and empathy? Why take away someone's lifeline when it was the only safe place they felt they could talk? What harm was there in it?

It’s not possible to moderate those threads effectively, the mods would have to be able to approve a post before its allowed on the thread. Then you also have the issue of all that responsibility put onto a mod who isn’t a trained mental health professional.

So it's impossible to close a thread and stop comments after a certain time? I don't think so.

You’ve obviously never been on when a very disturbing thread has stood for hours because it’s the middle of the night.

They have to consider the damage the thread can do, not only to the OP but to other posters who get drawn into the thread, giving "support" and 'lurkers' who may not be posting but may be watching the thread and may be just as vulnerable. The impact of a thread could be huge and it's irresponsible to allow a live (potential) suicide thread to continue. Nobody knows who people behind keyboards are. It's not fair to posters to have the responsibility for talking down actively suicidal posters. MNHQ have had professional advice to signpost and delete such threads. I'm pretty certain they make off-board contact with the OP, also.

They've consulted with The Samaritans, I believe.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/site_stuff/3091520-suicide-threat-distressed-poster?pg=7&order=

There’s an explanation of the Mumsnet policy on p8 of this thread

Thank you for explaining, Lougle. It's a tough one because I find it quite infantilising, as responsible, adult internet users we should know that we aren't directly responsible for someone else taking their own life nor give too much of ourselves emotionally. I suppose not everyone is capable of judging for themselves. It's a shame that there isn't a way of just deleting the trolls/unhelpful posters.
The Samaritans have their place as a listening ear.
I'm so, so glad to read that MN offer some sort of help behind the scenes. That's all I could hope for, really. From the deletion message, I thought it was just a 'nope, can't help here, that's it' which is why I was cross.

For most of my adult life I have been an advocate for a particular person with MH problems, so please don't insult me.
I have observed what MN do, and I think they are doing it right.

Same.

Where did I insult you?

Your post of 23.28

Oh, well you came on with a very vague post so I asked you about it.
Sorry for the upset.