Would You Know What To Do?

You are on a social networking site and a distraught person posts that she is about to commit suicide. What would you do?

When this recently occurred, I was astounded by the people who did not know what to do. People posted to one another asking if anyone knew the mother, her whereabouts or location, if it was a hoax, on-lookers wanted to know who was friends with the person, people kept checking her networking page and one person even suggested calling “the Embassy.” (since the person who begged for help for this woman was from outside the U.S.) A few people mentioned calling 9-1-1 but kept batting the idea back and forth- expecting the other person to do it. One person even erupted with…"what is wrong with you people?"

From 30 years of being in the Social Work profession and extensive Crisis Management education, I will share that any threat of suicide is to be taken seriously. Time is of the essence. Every second, literally counts. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I was not on this woman’s “Friends List,” however, someone mentioned the city in which she resides. One posting asked if there is someone who could visit the mother-who resides in her city or near-by so she could have support and know someone cares. If she took a multitude of drugs- as stated, it is probable she would be transported to a medical facility where her stomach may need to be pumped and/or other medical care can be provided, she can be assessed and obtain counseling. While I was on the phone with the police in her city, it was a fast conversation. As I mentioned, time is critical and the clock is ticking. I held on the phone for awhile- as requested by police, and the police also called me back. They eventually located the woman and went to her home. She is going to be ok. The police were eventually “bombarded” with calls, as I was told.

In the aftermath, the mother’s friend who begged for help for her has since “apologized” to her for “over-reacting.” This is absurd. An apology was not owed and no one “over-reacted.” The response to be concerned and contact authorities was proper and appropriate. How could she post something saying she would be dead tomorrow and NOT expect people to do something? I would much rather be embarrassed or accused of “over-reacting” than to do nothing and risk a friend’s death. This, my friends, would be difficult to live with for the rest of my life.

The mother says she is “ok.” She is not ok. This was a plea for help and hopefully, a major wake-up call. I hope she gets the help she so desperately needs. I also hope she is thanking God for so many who care.