Suicide

Cybersuicide related forums can encompass a range of online activity, including information sources about religious, ethical or broader cultural aspects of suicide. In addition, a range of technical resources, including for example, guides about using and obtaining tools for suicide, and dedicated suicide related chat rooms co-exists online. A number of sites discuss various suicide methods and the information on some of these sites can be graphic and upsetting.

On the more extreme sites, suicide is presented as a natural and acceptable way out of current difficulties and alternative ways of seeking help, support or counseling are not discussed. In addition, a number of these sites have been implicated in young and vulnerable people taking their lives.

Research studies exploring suicide and the impact of media reports on suicides suggest support for the existence of suicide contagion, i.e., suicide increases proportionally to the amount, duration, and prominence of media coverage. The recommendations emerging from this sort of research suggest that mental health care providers should counsel patients about alternatives to surfing the Web at times of crisis. Help may be available by calling crisis lines, clinicians, friends, or family members.

Chat rooms enable anonymous discussion of a taboo topics at any time and it may be that some people experience relief from suicidal tendencies, having shared their feelings and thoughts with others online. Furthermore, suicide sites can contain links to help organizations offering e-mail contact to those seeking help, which is a low-threshold, informal way to contact therapists. In addition, media counselling and guidelines for editors can help minimise imitative suicides.

For more information and advice

PAPYRUS, a voluntary organisation committed to the prevention of suicide, operates a national helpline service for anyone who is concerned that a young person they know may be suicidal.

http://www.papyrus-uk.org/index.html