Suicide Memes - Advice Needed

[Srivijaya]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

 

[Rival]

Be the person who reacts.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

Some people have dark personalities. Has this person ever displayed any suicidal tendencies in front of you? Or better yet I should ask how close you two are and whether you detect any depressive behavior? I mean it depends but typically suicidal memes of this kind could mean anything but need more detail. Unless the person themselves have outwardly displayed depressive behavior or suicidal tendencies it is hard to specifically say this or that is what it is. But if it bothers you, as @Rival have stated, just ask them and let them know of your concern.

 

[Srivijaya]

Some people have dark personalities. Has this person ever displayed any suicidal tendencies in front of you? Or better yet I should ask how close you two are and whether you detect any depressive behavior? I mean it depends but typically suicidal memes of this kind could mean anything but need more detail. Unless the person themselves have outwardly displayed depressive behavior or suicidal tendencies it is hard to specifically say this or that is what it is. But if it bothers you, as @Rival have stated, just ask them and let them know of your concern.

None in front of me, but then again, I mainly know them from the work place, where they put on a bright persona. We're not really close and I don't know if the memes really mean anything, but then again, I don't know if they do. I know they quit work due to mental health issues, and I have just once seen the mask slip. It's genuine.

 

[Nakosis]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

Here is a link.
My Friend Is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do? (for Teens) - KidsHealth

The couple of sites I've looked at said it is ok to ask about suicide. Most people are glad to have someone to talk about their feelings.

Might ask them why they have so many suicide memes.

 

[sun rise]

Here is a link.
My Friend Is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do? (for Teens) - KidsHealth

The couple of sites I've looked at said it is ok to ask about suicide. Most people are glad to have someone to talk about their feelings.

Might ask them why they have so many suicide memes.

We can give you some general advice, but if I were you, I'd reach out to professionals such as a hotline and ask for guidance and feedback. I suspect the details of what is being posted critical.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

I know they quit work due to mental health issues, and I have just once seen the mask slip. It's genuine.

Well if you don't know them that well and as you say they quit work (unless I misunderstood you) there is very little you can do.

 

[74x12]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

I would rather be the kind of idiot who said something and turned out to be taking things too seriously rather than the person who said nothing and it really was serious.

Also I would rather be that idiot who at least tried even if it didn't actually help in the end; rather than the person who didn't try at all and things went bad.

 

[Laika]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

Have a chat with them. The worst they can say is “it’s none of your business”, but as they are posting suicide memes on social media they don’t really have much of a leg to stand on.

Just say, “hey, I saw you posted some stuff on facebook the other day. I was just a little concerned. Are you ok?”

At first, They’ll probably deny it because it will be uncomfortable or embarrassing to admit but might open up once they realise you “really” care. So, even if they say, “we’ll I’m ok”, just say, “if you need anyone to talk to, just ask as I’m here.”

Its that first step both people have to take thats scary and uncomfortable. After that, it will get easier. (As strange as it sounds) It’s probably not unlike breaking the ice on a first date because your asking someone to discuss intimate and personal stuff- when the conversation gets started it has its own momentum. The secret is to just listen and let them say what’s on their mind. It can do wonders to take a weight off.

Suicide is usually an impulsive decision and is driven by sudden bursts of intense emotion. So by having someone to talk to, it relieves the pressure.

There is no shame in admitting its a difficult conversation, but it is still important to recognise when its necessary. You may both feel better afterwards as it will clear the air.

 

[ChristineM]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

Talk your your acquaintance, ask if they are ok or need someone to talk to. Don't push, just be open and friendly.

I had a similar situation last year with a relative that almost ended in tragedy. Luckily, at literally the last moment help arrived on the scene?

 

[Srivijaya]

Have a chat with them. The worst they can say is “it’s none of your business”, but as they are posting suicide memes on social media they don’t really have much of a leg to stand on.

Just say, “hey, I saw you posted some stuff on facebook the other day. I was just a little concerned. Are you ok?”

At first, They’ll probably deny it because it will be uncomfortable or embarrassing to admit but might open up once they realise you “really” care. So, even if they say, “we’ll I’m ok”, just say, “if you need anyone to talk to, just ask as I’m here.”

Its that first step both people have to take thats scary and uncomfortable. After that, it will get easier. (As strange as it sounds) It’s probably not unlike breaking the ice on a first date because your asking someone to discuss intimate and personal stuff- when the conversation gets started it has its own momentum. The secret is to just listen and let them say what’s on their mind. It can do wonders to take a weight off.

Suicide is usually an impulsive decision and is driven by sudden bursts of intense emotion. So by having someone to talk to, it relieves the pressure.

There is no shame in admitting its a difficult conversation, but it is still important to recognise when its necessary. You may both feel better afterwards as it will clear the air.

That sums it up nicely. I was thinking of pm-ing them, so as not to make it public (and thus more embarrassing). I've put a few 'heart' likes on some posts at least.

Thanks for all the replies. It's given me courage to try to help, though I'll tread carefully.

 

[Laika]

That sums it up nicely. I was thinking of pm-ing them, so as not to make it public (and thus more embarrassing). I've put a few 'heart' likes on some posts at least.

Thanks for all the replies. It's given me courage to try to help, though I'll tread carefully.

Good for you! You're very brave. Be very proud of yourself whatever happens!

 

[Jainarayan]

If you have the ability (time to talk, visit, "hand-hold") to help the person, do it. I belong to a couple of bearded men's groups on FB (yes, bearded men). We consider each other brothers. Many a time a brother has posted that he was going to off himself, or posted a pic of his gun, or said why he was done with life. The response from other guys was overwhelming... phone calls back and forth, several guys grouping to intervene, PMs, calls to local authorities, tracking down family, even driving to be with the guy and talk him down. In every case, when it was all said and done, the guy was grateful for the support. He just wanted to know people cared.

 

[Jesuslightoftheworld]

As there are people on this board with a whole load more experience than me, I thought I'd ask for some guidance.

I have a young (much younger) acquaintance - a previous co-worker - who I have recently befriended on Facebook. I know there are mental health issues, although this person comes across as confident etc. Thing is, their page is populated by suicide memes that I guess circulate in certain parts of the net.

What, if anything, should I do about these posts? Nothing? Just hope they don't act on this. Say something, like offering support, and potentially make matters worse?

I really don't know. I'm not really very close, but I am concerned. All the 'friends' viewing the page must also see them, but nobody reacts.

I am a survivor of several suicide attempts. The last one, I told God that I was going to do it right this time and there was nothing He could do about it. Then I swallowed a hand full of acetaminophen and washed it down with about 6 oz. of antifreeze. I was in a coma for 4 days, being kept alive by machines as all my organs were shutting down. Well, I’m still here because God’s not done with me. Only someone who has seen that darkness can truly relate. I now have so much to live for. I have become a certified suicide prevention advocate. Tell someone, they are obviously crying out for help. Nothing else matters but saving a life. It seems like you are the one that is going to make a difference.