Before you post anything online about suicide
Before you communicate online about suicide, take some time to think about why you want to share this post. Reflect on how your post could affect other people and whether or not there is a different way to communicate this information in a way that is safer or more helpful.
1. Remember that posts can go viral
2. The permanency of the internet: ‘Once posted, always posted'
3. It can be helpful to monitor your post
Sharing your own thoughts, feelings or experience
There may be times where you want to share your own experience
with suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Consider:
1. Your privacy
2. Sharing your experience in a safe and helpful way
3. The use of ‘trigger' or ‘content' warnings
Communicating about someone you know
Be aware that everyone is entitled to privacy, including those who have died by suicide. If you are concerned about someone who has experienced suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behaviour, do not post anything you would not say directly to them in-person. Where possible, ask for permission before posting or sharing content about another person and only share their personal information if you have permission to do so.
Responding to someone who may be suicidal
Sometimes it will be clear that a person is at immediate risk of suicide. If this occurs, you should:
1. Encourage the person at risk to call emergency services
2. Contact the person’s family or someone in their social network who may be able to check on them
If you cannot reach the person, or anyone in their family or social network, or the person refuses to call emergency services, you should call emergency services on their behalf.